At least six people have tragically died after being trapped in a burning building in Zigong, a city in Sichuan province, southwest China. The fire broke out around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, sending thick black smoke billowing from the 14-story building, which overlooks a bustling shopping street. Despite the efforts of firefighters, four floors were destroyed by the blaze.
Seventeen people were rescued from the inferno, but an unknown number remain stranded, according to state television CCTV. By 8 p.m., the fire was extinguished, but rescue operations are ongoing, with around twenty emergency vehicles on site. Zigong emergency services have urged the population not to believe or spread rumors, emphasizing that firefighters are doing everything possible to manage the situation.
Fires and other fatal accidents are unfortunately common in China, often due to lax enforcement of safety regulations and illegal construction practices that complicate evacuation efforts. In January, a store fire in central China claimed at least 39 lives after starting in the basement due to workers breaking safety rules. The same month, fires in a residential building and a boarding school dormitory resulted in the deaths of 15 people and 13 schoolchildren, respectively.
Following these tragedies, Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for stringent measures to prevent such disasters in the future. The recurring nature of these incidents highlights the urgent need for improved safety standards and stricter enforcement to protect lives and property.
