A residential building in eastern China’s Nanjing experienced a devastating fire early Friday morning, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 15 lives and leaving 44 individuals injured, according to local authorities on Saturday.
Preliminary findings from the ongoing investigation suggest that the fire originated on the building’s first floor, where electric bikes were stored. The incident unfolded in the Yuhuatai district of Nanjing, a city with a population exceeding eight million, situated approximately 260 kilometers northwest of Shanghai.
Emergency services promptly deployed 25 fire trucks to combat the blaze, as depicted in footage circulating on Chinese social networks. The videos reveal a skyscraper engulfed in flames during the night, emitting black smoke into the air. Images further illustrate massive flames consuming multiple floors, with the flashing lights of emergency vehicles visible in the surrounding darkness. Subsequent footage indicates white smoke emanating from various points within the building.
Of the 44 individuals injured, all were promptly transported to hospitals for treatment. Authorities noted that one person is in critical condition, while another sustained serious injuries. During a press conference, Nanjing’s mayor, Chen Zhichang, extended condolences and apologies to the families of the victims.
China has faced a series of deadly fires and accidents, often attributed to lax safety standards and inadequate enforcement. President Xi Jinping recently called for profound reflection and intensified efforts to address the frequent occurrence of safety accidents.
In January, a fire in the central city of Xinyu claimed numerous lives due to the “illegal” use of fire in a store’s basement. Similarly, a school blaze in Henan province resulted in the tragic loss of 13 schoolchildren as they slept in a dormitory, sparking concerns about safety practices. A teacher revealed that all victims were from the same third-grade class of nine- and 10-year-olds.
