A devastating fire ravaged an office building in northern China’s Luliang City, claiming the lives of at least 26 individuals, according to state media reports.
The blaze erupted around 07:00 local time on Thursday, causing extensive damage to the four-storey structure.
Following the fire outbreak at the Yongju Coal Industry Joint Building, 63 individuals were transported to hospitals among those evacuated, according to state media.
Though the fire is now under control, ongoing rescue efforts persist.
A footage shared on Weibo by the state-run Beijing Youth Daily depicted intense flames and thick smoke billowing from the building.
This incident unfolded in Shanxi province, a significant coal-producing region in China.
The tragic event underscores a broader issue of industrial accidents in the country, often linked to insufficient adherence to safety protocols.
China has grappled with recurrent incidents due to lax enforcement of safety standards.
In April, a hospital fire in Beijing claimed 29 lives, raising public outcry over the lack of transparency in reporting the incident and delayed notifications to patients’ families, recalling a similar tragedy.
Additionally, last October saw a deadly explosion at a barbecue restaurant in Yinchuan province, claiming 31 lives.
The incidents highlight a pressing need for stricter safety measures and improved oversight to mitigate such tragedies in China.
Source-BBC
