Tragedy struck in Zigong, a city in China's Sichuan province, as a fire engulfed a shopping mall on Wednesday evening. According to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, the blaze resulted in the loss of eight lives, with several individuals still trapped inside the 14-story building.
The fire reportedly started around 6 p.m. local time, emitting a massive column of black smoke that could be seen from afar. Dramatic images captured the intensity of the situation, showing people gathered on a balcony seeking refuge from the flames.
Upon receiving the distress call, nearly 300 emergency responders and numerous vehicles rushed to the scene from the local fire department. Their swift action led to the successful extinguishing of the fire by 8.20 p.m. local time, averting further devastation.
Rescue efforts have so far saved 30 individuals from the site, but the exact number of people still trapped remains uncertain. This incident sheds light on the prevalent safety concerns in China, where inadequate standards and lax enforcement contribute to such tragedies.
Notably, this fire follows a recent spate of similar incidents in the country. In January, a mixed-use building fire in southeastern China claimed the lives of at least 39 individuals and left nine others injured. Prior to that, a dormitory fire in Henan province resulted in the tragic loss of 13 children.
As authorities continue to investigate the cause of the Zigong shopping mall fire and work towards ensuring the safety of all citizens, our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.
