A shoe factory fire that killed 28 highlights China’s persisting worker safety risks

At least 28 people have reportedly died after a massive fire broke out at a shoe factory in Jinjiang, in southeastern China, on Thursday.

Dozens of firefighters were seen tackling the blaze as President Xi Jinping warned those responsible must be held ‘strictly accountable’.

The blaze broke out at around 12:00 inside a multi-story production facility located in Jiangtou village, Chendai town.

The fire broke out at around 12 p.m. on Thursday, causing major casualties.