A devastating fire tore through a residential skyscraper in eastern China’s Nanjing, leaving at least 15 people dead and 44 others injured, authorities confirmed on Saturday. The incident, which occurred in the Yuhuatai district, has once again highlighted concerns over safety standards and enforcement in the country.
The fire erupted in the early hours of Friday morning, originating on the first floor of the building, where electric bikes were reportedly stored, according to officials at a press conference. Dramatic footage shared on Chinese social networks depicted the skyscraper ablaze in the darkness of the night, with thick black smoke billowing from its floors.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene to battle the inferno, which engulfed several floors of the high-rise structure. By 6:00 am, firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze, concluding a search and rescue operation by 2:00 pm on Friday.
Of the 44 individuals injured, all were promptly transported to nearby hospitals for urgent medical treatment. Authorities revealed that one individual remains in critical condition, while another sustained serious injuries.
City mayor Chen Zhichang expressed his condolences and offered apologies to the families of the victims during a press briefing, acknowledging the severity of the tragedy.
This catastrophic event adds to a series of deadly incidents that have plagued China in recent months, raising concerns over safety regulations and enforcement. President Xi Jinping has called for deep reflection and intensified efforts to prevent such accidents from occurring with alarming frequency.
In January, a fire at a store in Xinyu claimed numerous lives due to what state media described as “illegal” use of fire by workers. Similarly, a blaze in a school dormitory in Henan province resulted in the tragic deaths of 13 schoolchildren in their sleep. Reports suggested the fire was caused by an electric heating device.
Previous incidents, including a fatal explosion at a barbecue restaurant and a fire at a coal company office, have underscored the urgent need for stricter safety measures across various sectors in China.
The Nanjing skyscraper fire marks yet another grim chapter in the nation’s struggle to prevent such tragedies, prompting renewed calls for comprehensive safety reforms and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard the lives of its citizens.
Sources By Agencies
