– JINJIANG, China
A major fire broke out on July 9, 2026, at the Huiteng Shoes factory in Jiangtou Village, Chendai County, claiming the lives of at least 28 people. Authorities described the incident as a serious industrial disaster with numerous casualties. The fire started around noon and quickly spread through the multi-story facility, prompting a large-scale emergency response as several workers were reported trapped inside.
Emergency services deployed 183 firefighters and 35 fire trucks to the scene, where they encountered thick smoke and high temperatures. Rescue operations were hampered by debris blocking stairwells and the presence of highly flammable materials used in shoe manufacturing. It was reported that some workers were trapped on the roof, while the search continued for others inside the building, with authorities focusing their efforts on containing the fire and rescuing victims.
Jinjiang is a major footwear manufacturing center, supplying a significant portion of the world's athletic shoe production. The factory employed more than 150 workers within the region's extensive industrial network. President Xi Jinping ordered a comprehensive search and rescue operation, along with a thorough investigation into the cause and the determination of responsibility.
Past incidents in the sector include a 2007 fire at a shoe factory in Putian, Fujian Province, which resulted in 37 deaths, and a 2014 fire in Wenling, Zhejiang Province, which left 16 dead. These incidents often involved electrical problems or difficulties related to facility conditions and material hazards.
lndustrial safety remains a priority for authorities, who have implemented various regulatory improvements. The recent fire in Fujian underscores the importance of having robust preventative measures in place at facilities handling combustible materials. Further details are expected as the official investigation progresses.