China shoe factory fire kills at least 28 in Fujian province

A fire at a shoe factory in Jinjiang city, Fujian province, killed at least 28 people on Thursday, according to state media. The blaze, which broke out around noon, engulfed the Huiteng Shoes factory, a major employer in the region known as China’s "shoe capital." Rescue efforts continued into the evening as authorities confirmed the death toll and launched investigations into the cause of the disaster.

Timeline of the Fire

The fire erupted at the Huiteng Shoes factory in the village of Jiangtou, Jinjiang, around 12:00 PM local time. Initial reports indicated that dozens of workers were trapped inside the multi-story building, with thick black smoke visible from the surrounding area. State media footage showed firefighters using water hoses to douse flames on the structure’s exterior and interior, while survivors took refuge near windows and on the roof.

The Ministry of Emergency Management deployed 183 rescue personnel and 35 vehicles to the scene, according to multiple reports. By early evening, most of the open flames had been extinguished, though officials warned that some individuals remained unaccounted for. At least 213 workers and visitors were evacuated or rescued, leaving 28 confirmed dead. Two additional victims were reported dead after being hospitalized, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

Official Response and Investigations

Chinese President Xi Jinping condemned the incident, calling it a "heavy human loss" and demanding a swift investigation. In statements carried by Xinhua, he urged authorities to "identify the cause of the accident as soon as possible" and "strictly hold those responsible accountable." The factory’s owner and other officials were arrested, and the company’s bank accounts were frozen, according to Xinhua.

The fire department’s Jinjiang chief, Du Zhenzhou, attributed the rapid spread of the blaze to flammable materials stored on the ground floor, including adhesives and shoe components. He noted that blocked stairwells and exits hindered rescue efforts, complicating access to upper floors. The Ministry of Emergency Management reiterated its call for "all-out" measures to locate survivors and treat the injured.

Context of Industrial Safety Concerns

The disaster has reignited scrutiny over China’s industrial safety record. State media cited a 2024 report indicating over 13,400 workplace accidents in the first three quarters of the year, resulting in 12,804 deaths. Critics have long pointed to lax enforcement of safety standards and corruption as contributing factors to such incidents.

This fire follows a series of high-profile disasters, including a November 2025 blaze in Hong Kong that killed 168 people and a December 2025 fire in Guangdong province that claimed 12 lives. In response, China launched a nationwide campaign to address fire hazards in high-rise buildings. However, the Jinjiang incident underscores ongoing challenges in enforcing safety protocols in industrial zones.

Aftermath and Next Steps

Rescue operations continued late into the night, with authorities emphasizing the need for thorough searches of the charred building. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though preliminary assessments suggest it originated on the ground floor. Families of victims have gathered near the site, while local officials pledged support for affected workers and their families.

The incident is expected to prompt renewed calls for stricter safety regulations. Xi Jinping’s emphasis on accountability aligns with broader efforts to address systemic risks in China’s industrial sector. As the nation grapples with the tragedy, the focus will shift to preventing future disasters through improved oversight and enforcement.