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Home » Deadly Fire Engulfs Shopping Mall in China, Killing 16

Deadly Fire Engulfs Shopping Mall in China, Killing 16

Deadly Fire Engulfs Shopping Mall in China, Killing 16

Last Updated on 18/07/2024 by wccexam Desk

A devastating fire broke out at a shopping mall in Zigong, China, resulting in the tragic loss of 16 lives. The blaze, which started in the lower levels of the 14-story commercial building, quickly spread, engulfing the entire structure in thick black smoke.

According to the reports, the fire started on Wednesday night and took firefighters 10 hours to extinguish. Dramatic footage circulating on social media showed the building being consumed by the flames, with people trapped inside desperately calling for help. Rescue teams worked tirelessly, using drones and water sprays to battle the blaze and evacuate survivors.

Ultimately, 75 people were successfully rescued from the burning building. However, the fire claimed the lives of 16 individuals, a devastating toll. Authorities suspect that the fire may have been triggered by ongoing construction work in the lower levels of the mall, but a comprehensive investigation is still underway to determine the exact cause.

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing challenges China faces in ensuring fire safety, particularly in public buildings. In the first five months of 2023, the country has already recorded 947 fire-related deaths, a 19% increase from the same period the previous year. Experts attribute this rise to issues such as malfunctioning gas or electrical lines, as well as carelessness.

The Zigong fire is a somber reminder of the importance of robust fire safety measures and emergency preparedness in high-traffic commercial spaces. As the investigation continues, authorities will likely scrutinize the building’s safety protocols and implement necessary reforms to prevent such devastating incidents from occurring in the future.