FIRE AT SHOE FACTORY IN EASTERN CHINA KILLS AT LEAST 28

A fire at the Huiteng Footwear factory in Jinjiang, in the province of Fujian, killed at least 28 people, according to the state news agency. The blaze erupted at around noon local time on Thursday. Footage released by state broadcaster CCTV showed flames and thick black smoke rising from the multi-storey building, with people appearing to be trapped on the roof. President Xi Jinping described the fire as having caused "significant casualties", suggesting the death toll may rise further.

Jinjiang is described as China's "shoe capital" owing to its status as a major footwear manufacturing centre. The city hosts numerous shoe factories and related production facilities. State broadcaster CCTV reported that 500 rescue workers were deployed to the scene. Firefighters used water hoses to douse both the exterior and interior of the building as rescue operations continued.

The incident remains under investigation. Further details regarding the cause of the fire and the precise circumstances of the deaths have not yet been confirmed by authorities. Updates on the death toll and cause are expected as rescue and recovery operations proceed.