A devastating fire at a shopping mall in Zigong, a city in southwestern China, has claimed the lives of 16 people, state media reported early Thursday.
Firefighters and rescuers responded to the emergency call shortly after 6 p.m. at the 14-story commercial building. According to the official news agency Xinhua, they successfully pulled 75 people to safety.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, and the cause of the fire remains unknown. The building houses a department store, offices, restaurants, and a movie theater. It is also unclear how many people were inside when the fire started.
Videos shared on social media show thick black smoke billowing from the windows of the building’s lower levels, engulfing the entire structure as it rose into the sky. Huge flames were visible, and firefighters were seen battling the blaze with water. Local media reported that several drones were also deployed in the firefighting efforts.
Fire hazards continue to be a significant issue in China. The National Fire and Rescue Administration spokesperson, Li Wanfeng, noted that the country reported 947 fire fatalities in the first few months of this year, up 19% from the same period last year. Fires in public places, such as hotels and restaurants, increased by 40%, with the most common causes being electrical or gas line malfunctions and carelessness.
Earlier this year, in January, a fire caused by unauthorized welding in the basement of a commercial building in Jiangxi province killed 39 people. In February, 15 people died in a residential building fire in Nanjing after an electric bike parking lot attached to the building caught fire.
The tragic incident in Zigong highlights the ongoing challenges China faces in improving fire safety standards and preventing such disasters. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
18th Jul 2024
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