26 Dead, Dozens Hospitalised In China Building Fire
Faizan Hashmi Published November 16, 2023 | 03:50 PM
Beijing, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Nov, 2023) Twenty-six people have died and dozens were sent to hospital after a fire tore through a building in northern China's Shanxi province on Thursday, state media reported.
The blaze started at a four-storey building belonging to the Yongju coal company in Luliang city at around 6:50 am local time (2250 GMT on Wednesday), state media said, citing local authorities. Twenty-six people were confirmed dead, state news agency Xinhua reported.
Earlier, broadcaster CCTV said 63 people had been evacuated from the site, 51 of whom were hospitalised. The reports did not say if any of those taken to hospital had died.
CCTV reported that the fire had been "brought under control" and that its cause was still under investigation.
It also said, citing the rescue site command, that an unspecified number of people were being held by police and were under investigation in connection with the fire.
Video footage posted on the social media site Weibo showed bright flames and thick black smoke billowing from the building, while dozens of people stood in the parking lot watching.
The building shown in the video matched images of the coal company's headquarters posted on its website.
Emergency response personnel could be seen in the footage racing to put on protective gear outside a fire truck parked at the building's entrance.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping, in the United States for a summit of Asia-Pacific leaders, said there was an "extremely profound lesson" to be learned from the fire.
Local governments must "conduct in-depth investigations of hidden risks in key industries, improve emergency plans and prevention measures", he said, according to CCTV.
Xi called for "all efforts" to treat the injured as well as investigate who was responsible for the fire.
Industrial accidents are common in China due to lax safety standards and poor enforcement.
In July, 11 people died after the roof of a school gym collapsed in the country's northeast.
The month before, an explosion at a barbecue restaurant in northwestern China left 31 dead and prompted official pledges of a nationwide campaign to promote workplace safety.
In April, a hospital fire in Beijing killed 29 people and forced desperate survivors to jump out of windows to escape. One of the worst such accidents took place in 2015 in Tianjin, where a gigantic explosion at a chemical warehouse killed at least 165 people.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 22 May 2024
Serial winner Kroos eyes two-trophy finish to career
10 bodies found in Mexico's Acapulco, some in street
Djokovic backs Nadal for French Open title
BUITEMS VC calls for funds allocation for varsities
Nine child workers die in Egypt as bus plunges into the Nile
Govt taking various measures to promote sports: Senator
China warns Taiwan of reprisals over Lai inauguration speech
DPM Dar, Kyrgyz FM discuss recent incidents of violence against Pakistanis
UN health agency chief calls for end to recent Israeli siege of Gaza Hospital
BISE Hyderabad announces results of oriental languages examination
Starc helps Kolkata thrash Hyderabad to reach IPL final
More Stories From World
-
Half of mangrove ecosystems at risk: conservationists
2 minutes ago -
Relieved travellers land in Singapore after deadly turbulence
12 minutes ago -
Duesseldorf hope free games are ticket to top flight
42 minutes ago -
The impossible job: Beating Rafael Nadal at the French Open
42 minutes ago -
Swiatek eyes place among greats with fourth French Open crown
52 minutes ago -
Deforestation exacerbated deadly Brazil floods: experts
52 minutes ago
-
Vietnam votes in public security minister as president
52 minutes ago -
S. Africa vote fails to inspire Jo'burg township youth
52 minutes ago -
Black farmers in Brazil changing views on coffee production
52 minutes ago -
One dead, dozens injured as Singapore-bound flight hits turbulence
1 hour ago -
Nadal ready for emotional French Open farewell
1 hour ago -
Half of mangrove ecosystems at risk: conservationists
1 hour ago