China Launches Full Investigation After Deadly Shoe Factory Fire Kills 28

Photo Credit: Reuters

Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered a full investigation into a devastating fire that killed 28 people at a shoe factory in Jinjiang, Fujian Province, one of China’s largest footwear manufacturing hubs. The blaze, which broke out on the ground floor of the Huiteng Shoe Company factory, is among the country’s deadliest industrial accidents in recent years.

The fire spread rapidly through the five-storey building, fuelled by highly flammable shoe-making materials and adhesives. Of the 239 people inside the factory, 213 were safely evacuated, while rescue teams spent hours searching for those trapped. Firefighters faced significant challenges as stairwells were blocked by stored materials, delaying access to the upper floors. More than 180 firefighters, supported by hundreds of emergency personnel and dozens of vehicles, were deployed before the blaze was brought under control.

Following the tragedy, Xi called for a swift investigation to determine the cause of the fire and demanded that anyone found responsible for safety failures be held accountable. Authorities have reportedly detained the factory owner and several company officials while freezing the company’s assets pending the outcome of the investigation.

The disaster has renewed concerns about workplace safety in China, where industrial accidents continue to occur despite repeated government efforts to tighten safety regulations. Many observers say the incident is another reminder that rapid industrial growth must be matched by strict enforcement of safety standards to prevent avoidable loss of life. As investigations continue, families of the victims are seeking answers while authorities face growing pressure to ensure similar tragedies do not happen again.