Photo: CFP

A fire broke out at a shopping mall in Zigong, Southwest China's Sichuan Province, on Wednesday at around 6 pm. As of early Thursday morning, the fire had resulted in 16 fatalities, and a preliminary investigation shows it was caused by construction work.

According to videos circulating online, the fire broke out at Jiuding Department Store in Zigong. Large flames were seen leaping out, and thick smoke engulfed the entire building. Several fire-fighting vehicles were parked below, with rescue personnel engaged in emergency operations on site.

Some netizens said that there were people trapped in the mall after the fire broke out, and the roads have since been cordoned off. Multiple department staff are coordinating the rescue efforts. A large number of citizens have gathered at the scene, closely following the rescue operations.

The on-site rescue operations concluded at 3 am on Thursday. The fire resulted in 16 fatalities, and all injured individuals have received proper medical treatment, according to local authorities.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire was caused by construction work, and further details are currently under investigation. Post-incident arrangements are underway. 

Local authorities in Sichuan established an accident investigation task force to conduct a comprehensive and in-depth investigation into the incident, thoroughly examine the causes, and strictly pursue accountability according to laws and regulations. The individuals responsible have been taken into custody by the police.

After the fire broke out, the local health department immediately activated an emergency response, quickly dispatching over 200 medical personnel and 12 ambulances to conduct medical treatment.

As of midnight on Wednesday, hospitals in Zigong had admitted a total of 39 injured persons, with 4 having left the hospital on their own and 35 still being treated. According to an assessment by a team of experts, among the 35 hospitalized patients, none are in critical condition, 3 are in serious condition, and the rest are in stable condition.

The Ministry of Emergency Management and the National Fire and Rescue Administration have also dispatched a working group to the scene overnight and will enlist national fire investigation experts to participate in the investigation of the fire incident. 

Among 679 units that failed the routine fire safety inspection that was unveiled on July 9 by the local fire rescue brigade in Zigong, Sichuan Jiuding Group Co. was named, domestic news outlet thepaper.cn reported. The company is located in the department store that was caught in the fire.

Formerly known as Zigong Jiuding Industrial Co, the company was established in 1996 and is located within the Jiuding Department Store. According to local residents in Zigong, the Jiuding Department Store building was developed by Sichuan Jiuding Group and is currently partially vacant, according to the media report. 

It previously housed a supermarket, with offices located above the 6th floor which included the company’s property management unit.

Another nearby resident stated that most areas of the Jiuding Department Store building are vacant, but there are still operating businesses including restaurants, a billiard room, a tea house, and a supermarket on the basement level, with some people working in the offices upstairs, according to the media report. 
Global Times