China factory fire kills 28 as Xi warns of severe losses
A fire at a shoe factory in southeastern China on July 9 has killed at least 28 people, state media reported. Trapped workers were unable to escape as flames quickly engulfed the building.
The initial death toll was confirmed after Chinese President Xi Jinping warned of severe losses of human life. The disaster occurred around midday at the Huiteng shoe factory in Jinjiang City, Fujian province.
Local emergency services deployed 183 firefighters and 35 rescue vehicles to the scene. Live footage from state broadcaster CCTV showed emergency teams spraying water on a multi-story building blackened by fire, with thick smoke pouring from the windows.
State news agency Xinhua reported that several people remained trapped inside during the blaze as rescue teams struggled to reach them.
The tragedy comes after China launched a nationwide high-rise fire safety campaign in November, following a massive blaze in Hong Kong that claimed 168 lives.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
🇨🇳🔸A fire broke out at the Fujian Huiteng Shoes factory in the southeastern Chinese city of Jinjiang, resulting in injuries.
— Argonaut (@FapeFop90614) July 9, 2026
Authorities have not yet confirmed the death toll. pic.twitter.com/61qDe9jyXJ
