China Factory Fire: 28 Dead After Blaze Engulfs Shoe Factory; Workers Feared Trapped

At least 28 people have died after a massive fire tore through the Huiteng Shoes factory in the eastern Chinese city of Jinjiang on Thursday.

State media reports that the blaze broke out around noon at the factory, located in Fujian province's Chendai township—widely known as China's "shoe capital."

Videos shared on social media showed thick black smoke pouring from the multi-story building as frantic workers trapped on the rooftop waved for help. The fire reportedly started on the ground floor, spreading rapidly due to highly flammable shoe-making adhesives and materials stored inside.

Rescue Efforts Hampered

A total of 183 firefighters and 35 fire engines were sent to the scene. While the main flames have been brought under control, rescue operations inside the building faced severe delays.

According to state broadcaster CCTV, clutter piled up in the factory's stairwells blocked emergency paths, initially making it impossible for rescue crews to enter the building to locate missing workers.

President Xi Demands Accountability

Chinese President Xi Jinping issued an immediate directive calling for an "all-out" rescue effort to locate anyone still trapped. Mourning the "heavy human losses," President Xi ordered a swift investigation into the cause of the disaster and demanded that those responsible be held strictly accountable.

The Ministry of Emergency Management has dispatched a joint task force to the site to oversee the response. Jinjiang is a major global manufacturing hub, producing roughly one out of every five pairs of sports shoes worldwide.

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