Shoe factory fire in China kills 28, renews safety concerns

At least 28 people died in a fire at a shoe factory in Jinjiang, China's "shoe capital," according to state media Source: BBC. The blaze broke out at the Huiteng Footwear factory on Thursday, trapping workers on the roof as thick black smoke billowed Source: AP. Authorities have arrested the factory owner and frozen accounts as investigations continue Source: AP.

The incident

The fire started on the ground floor, where flammable shoe materials were stored Source: BBC. Of the nearly 240 people inside, 213 were evacuated but two later died in hospital; 26 others initially missing were found dead Source: AP. Firefighters faced obstacles due to stacked materials in stairwells Source: AP. More than 500 rescue workers responded, and the fire was extinguished after four hours.

Reaction

President Xi Jinping demanded a swift investigation and strict accountability Source: BBC. This disaster highlights persistent workplace safety issues in China, following other major incidents this year Source: AP. Jinjiang, a manufacturing hub producing 20% of the world's sports shoes, now faces scrutiny over safety practices.