Taiyuan: A major fire at a high-rise residential building in Taiyuan, the capital of China’s northern Shanxi province, has killed at least 14 people and left 25 others hospitalised, including nine with serious injuries, according to state media reports.
The fire broke out at the 40-storey residential building located along a busy main road in the city centre. Thick smoke was seen rising from the structure as flames spread through the building, prompting an extensive emergency response from firefighting and rescue teams.
Video footage circulated online and showed firefighters positioned on cranes outside the high-rise, working to contain the flames spreading from the central section of the building. Emergency crews launched rescue operations shortly after receiving reports of the incident.
According to authorities cited by state media, the fire was brought under control after approximately two hours. Rescue operations were completed by 8:30 p.m. on November 8, with a total of 38 people transported to hospitals for medical treatment.
Among those hospitalised, nine people sustained serious injuries, while the remaining patients received treatment for other injuries. The incident has raised concerns over fire safety and emergency response measures in high-rise residential buildings.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident and the condition of those injured have not yet been released.
Taiyuan is an important manufacturing and industrial hub in northern China. Officials are continuing to assess the incident as the investigation progresses.
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