Twenty-eight individuals lost their lives in a fire at a footwear manufacturing facility located in Jinjiang, a city within Quanzhou County in southeastern Fujian Province, China.
The blaze erupted around noon yesterday in a five-story reinforced concrete workshop, which spans approximately 1,300 square meters. According to Xu Zhihui, director of the Quanzhou Fire and Rescue Bureau, the factory housed a large quantity of flammable and combustible materials. When rescue teams arrived, the building was already engulfed in a three-dimensional blaze.
Jinjiang is recognized as a major hub for shoe production in China, hosting well-known brands such as Anta, 361°, Xtep, and Erke. Last year, the city’s gross domestic product reached 386.1 billion yuan (approximately 57 billion USD), placing it among the top three counties in China by economic size.
Reports indicate that 213 people were evacuated and rescued from the scene. Sadly, two of those rescued later died in the hospital. As of early this morning, rescue operations had concluded, and efforts shifted toward providing support and comfort to those impacted.
The mayor of Quanzhou, Cai Zhansheng, issued a statement offering condolences to the victims’ families and the community during a press conference today, also issuing an apology on behalf of the municipal authorities.
The involved company has been identified as Huiteng Shoes. The Fujian provincial government has set up an investigation team to swiftly determine the cause of the incident and ensure accountability. Legal actions are already underway to identify responsible personnel and relevant individuals.