A devastating fire erupted at a shopping mall in Zigong, a city in southwestern China, resulting in the tragic deaths of 16 people on Wednesday. The incident took place at a 14-story commercial building that includes a department store, offices, restaurants, and a movie theater, according to state media reports.
Firefighters and rescuers responded promptly to the emergency call just after 6 p.m., successfully rescuing 75 people from the blaze, as reported by the official news agency Xinhua. Ongoing rescue efforts aim to locate and assist any remaining individuals within the building. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and authorities have not confirmed how many people were present in the building when the fire broke out.
Videos circulating on social media captured the harrowing scenes of thick black smoke pouring out from the building’s lower levels, engulfing the entire structure. The footage showed massive flames as firefighters battled the inferno with water sprays. Local media sources confirmed that firefighters also utilized several drones to aid in the rescue operations.
Fire hazards remain a significant concern in China. Li Wanfen, a spokesperson for the National Fire and Rescue Administration, stated that China recorded 947 fire-related fatalities in the first several months of this year, ending on May 20. This figure marks a 19% increase compared to the same period last year. Li highlighted that the most common causes of fires in public places, such as hotels and restaurants, are electrical or gas line malfunctions and general negligence.
In January, another tragic fire incident occurred in a commercial building in Jiangxi province’s southeastern region, killing 39 people. The fire was attributed to unauthorized welding in the basement. Additionally, in February, a residential building fire in Nanjing, eastern China, claimed the lives of 15 people after an attached parking lot for electric bikes caught fire.
These incidents underscore the urgent need for stricter fire safety measures and regulations in China to prevent such devastating events. The recent fire in Zigong highlights the critical importance of improving fire safety standards to protect lives and property from similar tragedies in the future.
