Chinese factory fire kills at least 28; Xi Jinping Says "Heavy Human Losses"

A devastating fire at a shoe factory in east China’s Fujian province claimed the lives of at least 28 people on Thursday, state media said, despite massive firefighting and rescue operations to contain the flames.

The fire broke out around noon at the Huiteng shoe factory in Jinjiang city, prompting rescuers to rush to the scene, AFP reported. Hours later, fears persisted that several people may still be trapped inside the building.

Chinese President Xi Jinping described the incident as causing “heavy casualties”, while the state-run Xinhua news agency later reported a preliminary death toll of 28.

(This is a developing story. More to come)