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Beijing: A devastating fire claimed the lives of at least 16 individuals as it ravaged a shopping centre in Sichuan, a southwestern province of China.
The conflagration ignited within a 14-story commercial edifice situated in Zigong’s high-tech zone, nearly 1,900 kilometres from Beijing. This city boasts a population of approximately 2.5 million.
Following a distress signal received just after 6 pm on Tuesday, firefighters rushed to the scene and successfully rescued about 75 individuals, as reported by Xinhua, the state news agency. The rescue efforts persisted throughout the night, concluding at 3 am local time.
The initial cause of the fire remains undetermined, including the number of occupants present during the outbreak. However, early investigations suggest that construction activities may have sparked the blaze.
The affected building accommodated a variety of establishments, including a department store, office spaces, eateries, and a cinema. Footage captured dense plumes of black smoke billowing from the lower floors, eventually shrouding the entire structure.
Authorities from the fire department have urged the public to avoid succumbing to or spreading unfounded rumours regarding the fire. In response, China’s Ministry of Emergency Management has deployed a team of specialists to conduct a thorough inquiry in Sichuan.
Fire-related incidents continue to pose significant challenges in China. Reports indicate a 19% increase in fire-related deaths in the early months of this year, totalling 947 casualties by May 20th, according to Li Wanfeng, a spokesperson for the National Fire and Rescue Administration. Public venues like hotels and restaurants have seen a 40% surge in fire occurrences, often attributed to faulty electrical or gas installations and negligence.
Earlier this year, unauthorized welding in a basement led to a fire that took 39 lives in a commercial structure in Jiangxi, a southeastern province. Additionally, a fire in a residential complex in Nanjing, an eastern city, resulted in 15 fatalities in February, following an incident in an adjoining parking area.
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