This photo taken on July 18, 2024 shows firefighting vehicles at the site of a department store fire in Zigong City, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Photo: Xinhua)

 

This photo taken on July 18, 2024 shows the rescue site of a department store fire in Zigong City, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Photo: Xinhua)

 

This photo taken on July 18, 2024 shows firefighting vehicles at the rescue site of a department store fire in Zigong City, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Photo: Xinhua)

 

This photo taken on July 18, 2024 shows ambulances at the rescue site of a department store fire in Zigong City, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Photo: Xinhua)

 
The rescue operation at the site of the department store fire in Zigong City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, was completed as of 3 a.m. on Thursday, according to the local fire and rescue headquarters.

A total of 16 people have been killed, and there are no longer any trapped individuals.

The fire in the 14-story building, located in a high-tech zone in the city, was reported at approximately 6 p.m. on Wednesday, and there was a significant amount of thick smoke at the scene.

According to preliminary investigations, the fire was caused by construction work.