Shoe factory fire in Fujian, China kills 28, authorities investigating cause
A fire at a shoe factory in Jinjiang, a major manufacturing hub in China’s Fujian province, has killed 28 people. Authorities said the blaze spread rapidly through the building, where flammable materials used in shoe production were stored.
CHINA: A fire at a shoe factory in eastern China has killed 28 people, according to state media reports.
The blaze broke out at about 12 pm on 9 July at a multi-storey production facility in Jiangtou village, Chendai town, in Jinjiang city, Fujian province, according to Xinhua News Agency.
Emergency authorities dispatched 183 firefighters and 35 rescue vehicles to the scene as rescue operations began.
People seen trapped on rooftop
According to China Central Television (CCTV), several people were trapped inside the building when the fire broke out.
Videos shared on social media showed flames engulfing parts of the factory and thick black smoke rising into the sky.
Some individuals could be seen on the rooftop as firefighters worked to contain the blaze and carry out rescue efforts.
Fire spread rapidly through building
Preliminary findings indicate the fire started on the ground floor of the factory, according to a local official cited by CCTV.
Authorities said shoe-making materials stored inside the building were highly flammable, which may have allowed the fire to spread quickly through the facility.
CCTV also reported that adhesives and other manufacturing materials produced strong fumes at the scene, causing eye irritation for those nearby.
Rescue operation mobilised
Firefighters continued battling the blaze for several hours after it erupted.
Open flames had largely been extinguished by around 5.40pm, although emergency personnel remained at the site.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Major manufacturing hub
Jinjiang, located in the coastal province of Fujian, is one of China's largest footwear and apparel manufacturing centres.
Often referred to as China's "shoe capital", the city is home to thousands of footwear-related businesses.
According to official data cited by CCTV, manufacturers in Jinjiang produced more than 1.2 billion pairs of shoes in 2024, accounting for around 20 per cent of global footwear output.
According to China government statement, Chinese President Xi Jinping has instructed that "efforts must be made to identify the cause of the accident and hold those responsible strictly accountable."
