The number of fatalities from a deadly fire in Xinyu city, located in China’s eastern Jiangxi province, rose to 39 in the hours that followed initial reports. Earlier, the count stood at 25, but officials with the Xinhua News Agency confirmed the higher toll on Thursday as rescue and assessment work continued at the scene.
Reports indicate the blaze began around 17:00 local time on Wednesday on the first floor of a building in the Yushui district. Crews described a chaotic scene as smoke swept through multiple levels of the structure, making access difficult for those trapped or seeking to evacuate. A total of nine individuals were reported injured, with eight in a stable condition. Emergency responders worked through the night to search for any remaining hotspots and to ensure that all occupants had a safe exit from the premises.
Initial investigations pointed to a fire that was alleged to involve illegal use of fire by workers while renovating a basement cold storage area. Authorities indicated the basement work appeared related to ongoing improvements, and the dense smoke was observed on the second floor, which houses training facilities and a hotel in the same building complex. Fire safety teams noted that the high volume of smoke in that upper section contributed to the complexity of the response and the challenges faced by rescuers on the scene.
Rescue operations, carried out by around 120 firefighters, concluded at approximately 20:50 local time on Wednesday, with no individuals reported as trapped in the building at the end of the operation. The coordinated effort involved multiple fire engines, rescue equipment, and medical teams standing by to treat those with injuries on site or to transport them to medical facilities if needed.
Authorities announced the arrest of 12 people tied to the incident and pledged severe consequences for those responsible, depending on the results of the ongoing inquiry. In the wake of the event, a broader inspection program was ordered to uncover and address any hidden security risks in retail locations, educational facilities, and crowded places such as tourist sites and shopping centers. The aim is to prevent future tragedies by tightening safety oversight and ensuring adherence to fire prevention standards across public and commercial venues.
This fire occurred one day after a separate deadly incident in Jining city in eastern Shandong province, where four people died and were injured in a separate blaze at a hotel. Earlier in the month, another fire at a school dormitory in Henan province claimed thirteen student lives and led to multiple arrests. Local authorities stressed the importance of rigorous safety measures, ongoing inspections, and accountability for those who fail to uphold fire safety rules, as communities seek to reduce the risk of recurrences across different regions of the country.