Deadly blaze in Jiangxi shop claims 39 lives, President Xi demands action
At least 39 people died and nine were injured in a fire that broke out in the basement of a shop in Xin Yu City, Jiangxi Province, China. The blaze began yesterday afternoon, with smoke billowing from the building, prompting desperate individuals to jump from windows to escape the inferno.
President Xi Jinping has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and called for stringent prevention measures to avoid similar tragedies in the future.
China has experienced a series of devastating fires recently. Just last week, a fire in a school dormitory in Henan province claimed the lives of 13 children, leading to the arrest of seven school staff members on suspicion of arson. Going back to November last year, 26 people perished and dozens were hospitalised following a fire at a coal company office in Shanxi Province in northern China.
In December, an explosion at a barbecue restaurant in northwestern China resulted in 31 fatalities, sparking a nationwide safety campaign to improve workplace safety. And last April, a hospital fire in Beijing took 29 lives, with harrowing images showing people leaping from windows in a desperate bid to survive.
President Xi’s directives following the Xin Yu City tragedy underscore the government’s concern over the frequency and severity of such incidents. The investigation aims not only to determine the cause of the fire but also to hold accountable those responsible for any negligence. Moreover, the president’s call for decisive prevention measures indicates a commitment to enhancing safety regulations and enforcement to protect citizens.
The recent spate of fires in China has raised serious questions about safety standards and the effectiveness of enforcement measures. The recurring theme of people resorting to jumping from buildings to escape the flames is a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved safety protocols in both residential and commercial properties.
The government’s response to this latest tragedy will be closely watched, as the public seeks reassurance that steps are being taken to prevent future loss of life in such horrific circumstances.
Xin Yu City
The loss of lives in Xin Yu City adds to a grim tally of fire-related deaths in China, highlighting an ongoing challenge for authorities in managing fire safety.
The string of incidents serves as a reminder of the potential hazards lurking in everyday environments and the critical importance of adherence to safety regulations to avert disasters, reported Sanook.
