Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for all-out efforts in the search and rescue operations following a massive fire at a shoe factory that struck the city of Jintang in Fujian Province, eastern China, resulting in a high number of casualties.
Xi, who is also General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, stated in his instructions that it is necessary to quickly determine the cause of the accident and hold accountable all individuals responsible for it.
The President also noted that several serious workplace accidents have occurred across the country since the beginning of this year. He urged all regions and relevant authorities to learn from these incidents, better coordinate economic development with safety measures, and continuously prioritize workplace safety.
According to Xi Jinping, it is essential to thoroughly investigate all potential safety risks, eliminate hidden dangers, strictly implement safety regulations, and resolutely prevent further serious accidents. The goal is to effectively protect the lives and property of residents.
Premier Li Qiang, who is also a member of the Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, called on the State Council's Work Safety Commission Office to coordinate large-scale safety inspections at workplaces across the country. He emphasized the need to thoroughly investigate all risks and take decisive measures to prevent similar tragedies.
According to current data, the fire has claimed the lives of at least 28 confirmed victims.
A working group from China's Ministry of Emergency Management has been dispatched to the scene to coordinate rescue operations. Provincial authorities in Fujian have meanwhile mobilized medical and rescue resources to treat the injured and manage the aftermath of the tragedy.
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