Fire at Chinese shoe factory in Fujian causes heavy casualties; Xi orders rescue and investigation

A fire at a shoe factory in Jinjiang, Fujian, on July 9 has caused heavy human losses, prompting President Xi Jinping to order rescue efforts and a probe.

• A fire broke out at the Huiting shoe factory in Jinjiang, Fujian, on July 9; 183 firefighters and 35 vehicles were dispatched.
• President Xi Jinping said the fire caused "heavy human losses" and ordered all-out search and rescue and a quick investigation.
• Some workers were trapped inside the factory and contact was lost, according to state news agency Xinhua.
• The factory is located in Chen Dai, a town of over 3,000 shoe factories that produces about 40% of China's athletic shoes.

Latest developments

• At least 28 people were killed in the fire, with 213 of nearly 240 workers evacuated and two later dying in hospital.