Tragedy struck in China on Wednesday when a devastating fire broke out at a shopping center in the southwestern city of Zigong, claiming the lives of 16 people. The incident occurred at a 14-story commercial building, which houses a department store, offices, restaurants, and a movie theater.
Firefighters responded swiftly to the emergency, arriving at the scene shortly after 6 pm and rescuing 75 people from the inferno. However, the cause of the fire and the number of people in the building at the time of the outbreak remain unknown.
Dramatic videos showed thick black smoke billowing from the lower levels of the building, engulfing the entire structure as firefighters battled the blaze using water sprays and drones. The incident highlights the alarming rise in fire fatalities in China, with 947 reported by May this year, a 19% increase from the same period last year.
According to Li Wanfeng, a spokesperson for the National Fire and Rescue Administration, fires in public places like hotels and restaurants have surged by 40%, with most incidents attributed to electrical faults. The tragic incident in Zigong serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety and prevention measures in public spaces.
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