Nanjing Horror: 15 Lives Lost and Numerous Injured in Devastation
A tragic incident unfolded in eastern China as a fire tore through an apartment building in Nanjing, claiming the lives of 15 people and leaving more than 40 injured, according to local authorities. The fire, which started on the first floor where electric bikes were stored, engulfed several floors of the skyscraper in the Yuhuatai district. Emergency services responded swiftly after being alerted at 04:40 local time on Friday.
Footage shared on social media depicted the horrifying scene of flames and black smoke billowing from the building. A massive effort ensued, with 25 fire engines and 130 firefighters working to combat the blaze. By 06:00, the fire was extinguished, and the search and rescue operation concluded by 14:00.
Of the 44 injured individuals taken to the hospital, one is in critical condition, while another is seriously injured. The Nanjing mayor, Chen Zhichang, expressed condolences and apologies to the victims’ families during a press conference. Aerial photos taken after the fire revealed blackened fronts of flats up the length of the skyscraper.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, with initial suggestions pointing to the storage of electric bikes on the first floor. Fires and other deadly accidents in China often result from lax enforcement of safety standards. A recent surge in such incidents prompted President Xi Jinping to call for deep reflection and intensified efforts to address safety issues.
This tragedy follows a string of deadly fires in the country, including an incident in Henan province where 13 schoolchildren lost their lives in a dormitory fire. In Xinyu city, a fire in the basement of a shop claimed at least 39 lives and left nine injured. The Nanjing fire adds to the urgency of addressing safety concerns and enforcing measures to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.
Comment Template