A fire at a shoe factory in Jinjiang, Fujian province, killed 28 people on Thursday. President Xi Jinping called for all-out rescue efforts and a full investigation into the cause.
The fire broke out at the Huiteng Shoes factory on Kaituo Road East in Jiangtou village, Chendai township. It started around 12:04pm local time on Thursday.
Xi Jinping instructed authorities to make full rescue efforts and hold those responsible strictly accountable. Premier Li Qiang directed workplace safety inspections across regions.
More than 500 rescuers responded. Of 213 people evacuated, two later died in hospital and 26 others initially missing were found dead. Police detained the factory owner and several others.
Jinjiang produces about 20 percent of the world's sports shoes. Initial reports indicate the fire may have started on the ground floor where flammable materials were stored.
