Xi urges all-out rescue after fire accident

President Xi Jinping urged all-out search and rescue efforts, proper handling of the aftermath and consoling the families of the victims after a fire on Thursday resulted in heavy casualties at a footwear factory in Jinjiang, a county-level city in Quanzhou, East China's Fujian province.

Xi said in an instruction that the cause of the accident should be identified as soon as possible and those responsible for it held seriously accountable.

The fire broke out around noon at the factory located in Jiangtou village in Jinjiang's Chendai township, with many people feared trapped. As of press time, at least 28 people were confirmed dead.

Noting that a number of major workplace safety accidents have occurred in China since the beginning of the year, Xi said that authorities across the country should draw important lessons from the factory blaze and better coordinate development and safety.

He emphasized the need to remain vigilant at all times regarding workplace safety, conduct in-depth checks and rectification of all types of risks and hidden dangers, and ensure that workplace safety measures are implemented in a firm and meticulous manner.

Efforts should be made to resolutely prevent major and serious accidents and effectively safeguard people's lives and property, Xi said.