• A fire at a shoe factory in Jinjiang, China, has led to at least 28 confirmed deaths.
• Chinese President Xi Jinping called for thorough search and rescue operations.
• 183 firefighters were dispatched to combat the blaze, which contained hazardous materials.
• The cause of the fire is under investigation, with officials stressing accountability.
• Jinjiang is a key hub for China's shoe manufacturing industry.

A severe fire erupted at the Huiteng Shoes factory in Jinjiang, Fujian province, resulting in a confirmed death toll of at least 28 individuals. The blaze began around noon, prompting immediate emergency responses, with state media describing the incident as leading to "heavy human losses," according to Channel News Asia and India Times.

Emergency services deployed 183 personnel and 35 fire trucks to the scene, and while open flames were largely extinguished by late afternoon, hazardous conditions hindered rescue efforts for those potentially trapped inside, reports South China Morning Post and BBC.

President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for all-out efforts in both rescue and investigation, directing authorities to ensure accountability by swiftly identifying the cause of the fire. He underscored the importance of these measures to prevent recurrence of such tragedies, following previous incidents in the country, according to Channel News Asia and South China Morning Post.

Located in the heart of China's footwear industry, Jinjiang's Huiteng Shoes factory is a significant player in global shoe production, raising concerns about safety measures within such industrial hubs, as highlighted in both state and international reports, according to India Times and BBC.