Southeast China shoe factory fire claims at least 28 lives

Neena Mae Rayos, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
July 10, 2026

(Photo Courtesy: Canva)

BEIJING – A fire at the Huiteng shoe factory in Jinjiang has claimed at least 28 lives after flames engulfed the multi-story building and trapped workers on the rooftop.

The incident, which occurred around noon local time on Thursday, involved a total of 239 employees present at the site.

While 213 individuals were successfully evacuated, two later succumbed to their injuries at a hospital, and 26 others who were initially reported missing were subsequently confirmed dead.

Footage released by state media captured the severity of the blaze, showing thick black smoke and a dozen people stranded on the roof as the fire raged through the facility.

Chinese President Xi Jinping instructed officials to hold those responsible strictly accountable while emergency crews worked to contain the situation.

Although open flames were largely extinguished by approximately 4 p.m. local time, firefighting efforts continued into the evening with multiple engines spraying water on the site.