Factory fire kills at least 28 in China's 'shoe capital'

A fire at a factory in a city known as China's 'shoe capital' has killed at least 28 people, state media reported. The blaze spread rapidly through the factory building, trapping numerous workers inside, according to initial reports.

President Xi Jinping ordered a full investigation into the incident, directing authorities to determine the exact cause of the fire and whether safety protocols were breached. Factory fires in China have frequently been linked to inadequate fire safety measures.

Rescue teams continued search operations at the site, while local officials have kept detailed information about the incident limited. The disaster has reignited debate over safety inspections at China's industrial facilities.