At least 28 killed in China shoe factory fire, state media reports
A fire at a shoe factory in Jinjiang, China, has killed at least 28 people, according to state media. President Xi Jinping said the fire caused 'significant casualties'.
A fire broke out at a shoe factory in the southeastern Chinese city of Jinjiang on Thursday, killing at least 28 people, state news agency Xinhua reported.
Dramatic footage posted by Xinhua showed flames and huge plumes of black smoke rising from a building, as well as people who appeared to be trapped on the roof.
President Xi Jinping earlier said the fire had caused "significant casualties", indicating that the death toll could be higher.
Jinjiang, in Fujian province, is often referred to as China's "shoe capital" as it is a major footwear manufacturing hub.
The blaze erupted at the Huiteng Footwear factory at around noon local time (05:00 BST) on Thursday. State broadcaster CCTV reports that 500 rescue workers were rushed to the scene.
This is a breaking news story and updates will follow.
