Zigong fire: 16 dead in fire at shopping mall in China

The fire started at around 6 pm local time in the 14-story building. With 75 people been rescued, according to a report by news agency Xinhua.

According to the preliminary investigations, the fire was caused by construction work, the report added.

The 14-story building contains a department store, offices, restaurants, and a movie theater.

A fire broke out in a department store at about 6 pm on Wednesday in Zigong, SW.China’s Sichuan Province. As of 8:20 pm, 30 trapped people had been rescued by firefighters. The latest reports said 6 people were killed due to the fire. pic.twitter.com/vxv8oM8J7O

— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) July 17, 2024

Videos shared on social media showed thick black smoke billowing from the building’s lower levels, engulfing the entire structure.

Massive flames were visible as firefighters used water sprays to combat the blaze. Local media reported that drones were also deployed in the firefighting efforts.

Nearly 300 emergency workers and dozens of fire trucks were dispatched to the scene. The fire was brought under control by 8:20 pm local time.

The rescue operation was completed on Thursday.

In China, fires and other deadly accidents are common, often attributed to lax safety standards and inadequate enforcement.