Tragic Fire at Zigong Shopping Mall Claims Eight Lives

A devastating fire broke out at a shopping mall in the southwestern Chinese city of Zigong on Wednesday, claiming eight lives, according to state media reports.

Firefighters and rescuers were dispatched shortly after 6 pm to the 14-story commercial establishment, reportedly pulling 75 individuals to safety, as per the Xinhua news agency. The rescue operation is ongoing, and the number of people present in the building at the time of the incident or the cause of the fire remains unknown. The building hosts a department store, offices, restaurants, and a movie theater.

Video posts on social media displayed thick black smoke billowing out from the lower levels of the structure and engulfing it entirely. Visible flames were fought with water sprays by firefighters, who also utilized several drones, as noted by local media.

Fire safety continues to be a critical concern in China, with 947 fire-related deaths reported in the first several months of this year, an increase of 19 percent from the same period the previous year, stated Li Wanfeng, spokesperson for the National Fire and Rescue Administration. Li cited electrical or gas line malfunctions and carelessness as the most common fire causes in public places, with incidents in hotels and restaurants rising by 40 percent.

(With inputs from agencies.)