Officials mobilize top medical experts in response to deadly fire in Jiangxi

Officials from the National Health Commission and the Ministry of Emergency Management called for all-out efforts to rescue and treat people injured in a deadly fire that broke out in a street-side shop in Xinyu, Jiangxi province, on Wednesday.

As of now, 39 people have been killed and nine injured.

NHC Minister Ma Xiaowei and vice-ministers Zeng Yixin and Lei Haichao asked local officials to prioritize treatment and rescue efforts.

Top medical experts in respiratory, critical care and burn treatment have been deployed to provide guidance and support to the local task force.

The experts conducted remote consultations with hospitals treating the injured, assessed their injuries, provided psychological counseling, and formulated tailored treatment plans. The commission pledged to increase medical support if needed.

The blaze broke out around 3:30 pm, trapping an unspecified number of people.

Minister of Emergency Management Wang Xiangxi stressed the need for an efficient and scientific search and rescue campaign, with ongoing operations involving 102 firefighters and 17 fire and rescue vehicles.