Fire at market in northern China kills at least 8 people

A fire at a food market in Zhangjiakou city (Hebei province, China) on January 4 left at least 8 people dead and 15 injured.

Xinhua News Agency reported that the fire broke out at the market in Zhangjiakou at around 8:40 a.m. on January 4 local time and was brought under control more than an hour later.

Images from the scene showed flames engulfing the market, sending up thick smoke. Firefighters were quickly on the scene to put out the fire. Search and rescue operations were completed by midday. The injured were treated at hospital and their condition is not life-threatening.

Image believed to be of the market fire in Zhangjiakou on January 4

PHOTO: SCREENSHOT X/SHANGHAI DAILY

Local authorities have expressed their condolences to the families of the victims and given priority to supporting those affected by the accident. According to Reuters, the market opened in 2011 and sells vegetables and other daily necessities.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Channel NewsAsia reported that the fire could have come from a gas cylinder, charcoal or cigarette butt.

Last month, China reported a massive explosion that caused a fire at a high-end apartment complex in Nanshan District, Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province on December 11, 2024.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chay-cho-o-mien-bac-trung-quoc-it-nhat-8-nguoi-thiet-mang-185250104173039334.htm