Fire at Chinese market leaves 23 dead and injured

(CLO) A serious fire broke out in Hebei province, northern China, on the morning of January 4, killing 8 people and injuring 15 others.

According to information from local authorities and state media, the fire at Liguang Market in Qiaoxi District, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province broke out at 8:40 a.m. and was extinguished at around 10:10 a.m. the same day.

As soon as the fire started, firefighters, emergency services and medical teams were dispatched to the scene to carry out rescue work. The large fire created a thick column of black smoke, spread rapidly, causing serious damage.

The rescue operation was completed at 12:50 p.m., and the injured were taken to hospital for treatment. None of the injured victims are currently in critical condition.

Video of market fire in China (source: X)

X

Opened in 2011, Liguang Market is a traditional market famous for offering a wide range of products from vegetables, seafood to electronics. This is a place that is often crowded, attracting shoppers thanks to reasonable prices.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, but initial reports suggest that aging infrastructure may have played a role. Traditional markets like Liguang are at high risk of fire due to the use of heat sources such as gas cylinders, charcoal, and other flammable materials. Some experts have also warned of the risk of underground gas pipes that are not properly maintained.

Zhangjiakou City is currently investigating the cause and preventing similar incidents in the future. CCTV and other media platforms have released images and videos of the scene, showing the extent of the damage and the efforts of the authorities to control the fire.

Ngoc Anh (according to CCTV, Global Times)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/chay-cho-o-trung-quoc-khien-23-nguoi-thuong-vong-post328976.html