28 Die in Jinjiang Shoe Factory Blaze

Sat Sep 12 2026 06:11:54 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

At least 28 people killed when a fire erupted at a major shoe factory in Jinjiang, China, a hub producing 20% of global sports shoes.

A devastating fire broke out at the Huiteng Footwear factory in Jinjiang, Fujian, killing at least 28 workers. The blaze started on the ground floor where flammable materials were stored, prompting a massive rescue effort and the evacuation of over 200 workers. President Xi Jinping condemned the tragedy and pledged strict accountability, while authorities detained several employees and froze the company’s bank account. Jinjiang, known as China’s “shoe capital,” produces about a fifth of the world’s sports footwear. The incident follows China’s intensified fire‑prevention campaign triggered by a fatal Hong Kong blaze in November.

Burning building with firefighters spraying water

28 Die in Jinjiang Shoe Factory Blaze

At least 28 people were killed when a fire broke out at the Huiteng Footwear factory in the south‑eastern Chinese city of Jinjiang, the world’s biggest maker of sports shoes.

The blaze, which erupted around noon local time on Thursday, is thought to have started on the factory’s ground floor where flammable materials were stored. Hundreds of rescue teams rushed to the site, and more than 200 workers were evacuated.

President Xi Jinping said the incident caused "major casualties" and called for those responsible to be held "strictly accountable." Authorities detained several employees linked to the factory’s owners, and the company’s bank account has been frozen.

Jinjiang, in Fujian province, is known as China’s "shoe capital"; it produces roughly 20% of the world’s sports footwear.

The fire comes after China’s campaign to prevent high‑rise building fires, triggered by a deadly Hong Kong blaze that killed 168 people in November last year.