On July 17, 2024, a fire engulfed a 14-story commercial building in the southwestern China city of Zigong, Sichuan province. The fire resulted in the loss of 16 lives.
Also Read: Clashes Erupt in Bangladesh Over Job Quota Protests, Over 100 Injured
The fire broke out on the evening of July 17, 2024, around 6:00 p.m. Rescue operations concluded by 3:00 a.m. the following morning.
The blaze occurred in a 14-story commercial building in Zigong, a city approximately 1,900 kilometers (1,200 miles) from Beijing with a population of nearly 2.5 million.
The building housed a shopping mall, department store, offices, restaurants and a movie theater.
The fire started in the shopping center located at the base of the building. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire was caused by construction operations, though investigation is ongoing to pinpoint the exact cause.
Firefighters and rescuers responded to the emergency call shortly after 6:00 p.m. Video footage shared on social media showed thick black smoke billowing from the lower levels of the building.
Rescue teams managed to pull 75 people to safety during the response. 16 individuals lost their lives in the blaze.
The fire was extinguished by around 8:20 p.m. using water sprays and drones. Later footage showed fire trucks and first responders continuing to secure the area late into the night.
By 3:00 a.m. on July 18, all rescue operations concluded with no individuals left trapped inside the building.
Nearly 300 emergency workers and dozens of vehicles were dispatched from the local fire department to tackle the blaze. Approximately 30 people were rescued from the building during the operation.
The fire resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals. Around 30 people were rescued from the blaze.
The fire was extinguished by 8:20 PM, as reported by state broadcaster CCTV. Rescue operations concluded at around 3 AM the following day with no individuals left trapped inside the building.
Investigations suggest that the fire was caused by construction work taking place at the shopping mall. The exact details and any negligence or safety violations are yet to be fully determined.
China’s Ministry of Emergency Management issued a statement urging rescue workers and provincial officials to expedite the investigation and identify the cause of the fire.
Fire incidents are common in China often attributed to lax safety standards and inadequate enforcement. In the first few months of 2024, China reported 947 fire fatalities, a 19% increase from the previous year.
Also Read: Oman Mosque Attack: 4 Pakistani Nationals Killed and 30 Wounded
The most frequent causes of fires in public places include electrical or gas line malfunctions and carelessness.
Li Wanfeng, a spokesperson for the National Fire and Rescue Administration addressed a 40% increase in fires in public venues like hotels and restaurants.
Social media platforms were with videos showing thick black smoke and large flames engulfing the building.
State broadcaster CCTV and news agency Xinhua provided continuous updates on rescue efforts and the fire’s status.
Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the specific cause of the fire and assess any lapses in safety protocols.
Fires and other deadly accidents are common in China often due to lax safety standards and poor enforcement.
In January 2024, a fire at a mixed-use building in southeast China killed at least 39 people. This fire was attributed to the illegal use of fire by workers in the store’s basement.
In the same month, a residential building fire claimed at least 15 lives. A fire at a boarding school in central Henan province killed 13 children as they slept in a dormitory.
In June 2023, an explosion at a barbecue restaurant in northwest China killed 31 people. In April 2023, a fire at a Beijing hospital resulted in 29 deaths with patients desperately jumping from windows to escape the flames.
Also Read: World’s Rarest Spade-Toothed Whale Washes Ashore in New Zealand
