At least 16 dead in mall fire
Smoke pours out of a 14-story building in the south-Chinese city of Zigong. People are taking refuge on the roof. They can be rescued, but help came too late for at least 16 people.
According to reports from Chinese state media, at least 16 people have died in a fire at a shopping mall in the southwestern Chinese city of Zigong. Firefighters and other rescue teams were dispatched to the 14-story building in the evening and managed to rescue 75 people, reported the official Xinhua News Agency.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire was caused by construction work in one part of the building. The complex houses a department store, offices, restaurants, and a cinema. Videos circulating on social media show thick smoke rising from the lower floors and enveloping the entire building. Large flames were also visible. People were seen waiting for rescue on the roof of the building. According to Xinhua, all survivors have been evacuated and there are no longer any trapped individuals.
The international fire department communities have expressed their condolences following the tragic fire incident, with several brands offering assistance in the investigation and potential rebuilding efforts. Despite the valiant efforts of the fire department and other rescue teams, the fire heavily damaged the shopping mall in Zigong, China, including popular brands' outlets.
