14 Killed in Massive Fire at High Rise Building in China

BEIJING, Nov 9: At least 14 people were killed and 60 others evacuated after a major fire broke out at a high-rise building in Taiyuan, the capital of China’s northern Shanxi Province, local authorities said on Monday.

According to the state run Xinhua news agency, the fire erupted at around 4:59 pm on Sunday, triggering an emergency response from firefighting and rescue teams.

Firefighters deployed specialised high-altitude equipment to douse the flames in the upper sections of the building and prevent the fire from reigniting. Despite efforts to bring the situation under control, smoke continued to emerge from several floors of the structure, the Global Times reported.

Rescue personnel were also seen searching the fire damaged floors for people who might have been trapped inside. Flashlights moving behind the windows of the affected sections indicated that search operations were continuing even after the main firefighting efforts.

Several signboards belonging to training institutes were visible on the exterior of the building. Local residents said the premises housed multiple educational and training establishments and was situated close to a hotel.

Following the incident, authorities initiated action against those responsible for the property’s management. The building’s owners and officials associated with the property management company have been placed under control measures as part of the investigation.

Meanwhile, the Taiyuan administration has mobilised medical facilities and healthcare resources from across the province and municipality to ensure proper treatment for those injured in the blaze.

Emergency services and relevant authorities are continuing their response to the incident, while the circumstances surrounding the outbreak of the fire are expected to be examined as part of the investigation.