- Fire ripped through a 14-story shopping mall
- At least 16 fatalities reported
- Social media footage captured the horrific scene
A devastating fire ripped through a 14-story shopping mall in Zigong, Sichuan province, China on Wednesday night.
State media Xinhua reported at least 16 fatalities with firefighters battling the blaze late into the night.
Thankfully, rescue teams managed to pull 75 people to safety. The fire originated from the lower levels of the building,
which housed a department store, offices, restaurants, and a movie theater, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
Authorities suspect construction work may have triggered the inferno. A full investigation is underway to pinpoint the exact cause.
Social media footage captured the horrific scene, with thick black smoke billowing from the building’s windows and engulfing the entire structure.
The emergency department urged the public to refrain from spreading rumors about the incident. Local media reports indicate firefighters utilized drones and water cannons to extinguish the flames.
Fire safety continues to be a pressing concern in China. Li Wanfeng, a spokesperson for the National Fire and Rescue Administration, revealed fire-related deaths had risen 19% year-on-year, reaching 947 from January to May 2024.
He highlighted a 40% increase in fires at public venues like hotels and restaurants, primarily caused by malfunctioning electrical or gas lines and carelessness.
This tragedy comes just months after a fire ignited by unauthorized welding in a commercial building basement claimed 39 lives in January.
