At least 28 dead in China shoe factory fire

At least 28 people were killed after a fire swept through a shoe factory in eastern China on Thursday, state media reported, as firefighters continued search and rescue efforts amid fears that more people could still be trapped.

The blaze broke out around noon local time at the Huiteng Shoes factory in Jinjiang, a city in Fujian province.

State news agency Xinhua, citing preliminary information, said the death toll had risen to 28. Authorities were still searching the building for anyone who might remain inside.

China's Ministry of Emergency Management said 183 firefighters and rescue personnel, supported by 35 vehicles, were deployed to tackle the blaze and search for survivors. Video broadcast by state television CCTV showed firefighters directing water onto the multi-storey factory as thick black smoke poured from the building. Some people were seen sheltering near windows and on the roof while the lower floors were engulfed in flames.

President Xi Jinping described the incident as one that had caused "heavy human losses" and called for every effort to rescue those trapped and treat the injured. He also directed authorities to quickly determine the cause of the fire and ensure that anyone found responsible was held accountable.

Officials said the fire was still being brought under control, while rescue teams continued searching for people who remained unaccounted for.