At least 28 people have been killed in a fire at the Huiteng Shoes factory in Jinjiang, Fujian province, China, on July 9, 2026. The fire broke out around noon, engulfing the multistorey building where 237 factory workers and two visitors were present. Local media reported that authorities managed to rescue 213 individuals, but 26 people were later confirmed dead.
Details of the Fire Incident
The fire erupted at the Huiteng Shoes factory, located in the village of Jiangtou. Eyewitness footage shared online showed thick black smoke rising from the building and individuals trapped on the rooftop. Local authorities dispatched over 180 firefighters and 35 emergency vehicles to tackle the blaze.
According to reports from state broadcaster CCTV, the fire was largely extinguished by early evening. The Ministry of Emergency Management called for an “all-out” effort to locate survivors and treat the injured. President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “The cause of the accident should be identified as soon as possible and … those responsible must be strictly held accountable.”
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
Initial reports indicated that 28 individuals lost their lives in the incident. Among the rescued, two were pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. The rapid spread of the fire was attributed to the presence of highly flammable materials used in shoe manufacturing.
- Total workers in the factory: 237
- Rescued individuals: 213
- Confirmed dead: 28
- Firefighters deployed: 180+
- Emergency vehicles dispatched: 35
Background on Industrial Safety in China
Industrial accidents are a recurring issue in China, often linked to lax safety standards and poor enforcement. Corruption among regulatory bodies has been cited as a contributing factor. Following a devastating residential fire in Hong Kong that killed 168 people, Beijing launched a nationwide campaign to eliminate fire hazards in high-rise buildings.
In the first three quarters of 2024 alone, China reported over 13,400 workplace safety accidents, resulting in 12,804 fatalities. The recent incident at the Huiteng Shoes factory underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures in industrial settings.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Al Jazeera. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
