28 Killed in China After Shoe Factory Catches Fire; Workers Wave for Help From Rooftop | Watch

In a tragic incident in China atleast 28 people lost their lives in a massive fire that broke out in a shoe factory today (Thursday). The blaze swept through the Huiteng Shoes factory in Jinjiang city, trapping several workers inside the building.

Noting that the factory is located in Chendai township in Fujian province, widely known as China's "shoe capital" because of its large footwear manufacturing industry.

Fire Spread Quickly Through Factory

At least 28 killed in a fire at the Huiteng shoe factory in Jinjiang, China. State media reports people feared trapped. pic.twitter.com/MVZ2Lfx77W

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) July 9, 2026

Initially the fire started around noon on the ground floor of the factory but the flames spread rapidly because the building contained highly flammable materials that were used to manufacture shoes. Several videos shared on the social media showed thick black smoke rising from the muti-storey factory where several workers were stranded waving for help.

Rescue Operation Faced Challenges

As soon as the accident took place around 183 fire fighters and 35 fire engines were deployed to control the blaze and rescue the trapped people. Though the firefighters managed to bring the fire under control, rescue operation were delayed as the staircase inside the building was blocked with storage materials.

JUST IN: Aleast 28 dead in eastern 🇨🇳China shoe factory fire: state news agencypic.twitter.com/XyrAYeEBmR

— Info Room (@InfoR00M) July 9, 2026

According to Chinese state media, these blocked passages made it difficult for rescue teams to enter the building quickly and search for missing workers.

President Xi Jinping Orders Investigation

As the tragedy took place, Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered an all out rescue operation and expressed condolences for the loss of lives. He directed authorities to investigate the cause of the fire and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable.
China's Ministry of Emergency Management has also sent a special team to oversee rescue work and monitor the investigation.

🇨🇳 - At least 28 people were killed when fire tore through the Huiteng shoe factory in Jinjiang, Fujian province, around midday Thursday (July 9) — one of Chinas deadliest industrial blazes in years.

Per Xinhua and the Ministry of Emergency Management: 239 people were inside… pic.twitter.com/8C4H6DF8Lb

— 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformant_x) July 9, 2026

Factory Located in China's Major Shoe Manufacturing Hub

One must know that Jinjiang is one of the China's biggest footwear manufacturing centres and also plays a key role in exports. It is believed that the region is known for producing nearly one out of every five pairs of sports shoes manufactured worldwide.