Hundreds of rescue workers have been dispatched to a shoe factory fire in Jinjiang, Fujian province, China, where many workers are believed to be trapped. The Ministry of Emergency Management confirmed casualties but has not released exact numbers, stating an 'all-out' effort is underway.

President Xi Jinping, quoted by state media, said 'heavy human losses' are expected as many workers remain trapped inside the multi-story building. He urged 'no effort must be spared in search and rescue operations and in supporting the families.'

Dozens of fire trucks are dousing the burnt factory as smoke continues to billow. The ministry also emphasized the need to investigate the fire's cause, learn lessons, and take effective measures to prevent recurrence.

The fire comes after Beijing launched a renewed campaign in November to bring high-rise buildings and factories in line with fire codes, following a series of tower block fires in Hong Kong that killed 168 people. In December, a residential building fire in Guangdong province killed 12.

Source: www.dw.com