Rescue operation completed at department store fire site in SW China

CHENGDU -- The rescue operation at the site of the department store fire in Zigong city, Southwest China's Sichuan province, was completed as of 3 am on Thursday, according to the local fire and rescue headquarters.

A total of 16 people have been killed, and there are no longer any trapped individuals.

The fire in the 14-story building, located in a high-tech zone in the city, was reported at approximately 6 pm on Wednesday, and there was a significant amount of thick smoke at the scene.

According to preliminary investigations, the fire was caused by construction work.