At least 28 dead in fire at shoe factory in eastern China, state media reports

By Gavin Blackburn Published on 09/07/2026 - 16:39 GMT+2 Share Comments Add Euronews on Google Share Facebook Twitter Flipboard Send Reddit Linkedin Messenger Telegram VK Bluesky Threads Whatsapp Footage shared by state television CCTV showed firefighters dousing the facade and interior of a large, multi-story white building with fire hoses, as thick black smoke poured out. A fire that tore through a shoe factory in eastern China on Thursday killed at least 28 people, state media said, after dozens of fire and rescue personnel raced to extinguish the blaze. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Hours after the fire broke out at the Huiteng Shoes factory around noon, there were fears people were still trapped inside the building in Jinjiang city, Fujian province. President Xi Jinping said the fire resulted in "heavy human losses," with state news agency Xinhua later citing a preliminary toll of 28 dead. "The cause of the accident should be identified as soon as possible and...those responsible must be strictly held accountable," Xi said. Footage shared by state television CCTV showed firefighters dousing the facade and interior of a large, multi-story white building with fire hoses, as thick black smoke poured out. Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a speech at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, 1 July, 2026 AP Photo People could be seen taking refuge near the windows and on the roof of the building, while the blaze raged in the lower floors. The Ministry of Emergency Management said in a statement that fire and rescue teams dispatched 183 people and 35 vehicles to the scene. Live footage aired by CCTV showed the charred building with thick grey smoke billowing from broken windows. The blaze was being extinguished, the emergency management ministry said, demanding "all-out" efforts to put it out, search for trapped survivors and treat the injured. Related Firefighters tackle large Edinburgh blaze as historic building left in ruinsFire in squatters' homes forces evacuation of 80 residents in Valencia Some people were trapped and "out of contact," Xinhua said. China launched a campaign against fire hazards in high-rise buildings in November, after a huge blaze engulfed several tower blocks in Hong Kong, killing 168 people. A month later, a fire at a residential building in southern China's Guangdong province killed 12 people. Go to accessibility shortcuts Share Comments Add Euronews on Google Read more Lithuania seeks China reset while maintaining hard line on Russia Death toll from China storms and floods rises to 15, state media says Australia and Fiji seal mutual defence pact in push to counter China in Pacific Xi Jinping Police Emergency China Fire