A fire at the Liguang market in China's northern province of Hebei has killed at least eight people and injured 15, according to state media. The blaze at the market, located in Zhangjiakou, broke out around midday local time on Saturday and was mostly extinguished two hours later, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.
The injured have been sent to hospitals for treatment, and fortunately, they are not considered to be in life-threatening danger, according to statements from government officials. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with officials exploring various potential sources.
Videos shared on social media platform Weibo depicted the dire scene, featuring large flames and thick clouds of smoke rising over the market. The fire prompted immediate panic among shoppers, many of whom were seen fleeing the area. The Liguang market, known for its wide variety of products from fresh produce to electronics, has been operational since 2011. Traditional markets like Liguang are often densely packed with shoppers drawn to lower prices compared to larger supermarket chains.
The fire broke out at approximately 12 p.m. local time and was largely under control by 2 p.m., as emergency services responded to the situation. Sources suggest the origins of such fire incidents can range from gas bottles and charcoal used for cooking to careless disposal of cigarettes. Notably, aging infrastructure, such as outdated underground gas lines, has historically contributed to fires and explosions within China.
Zhangjiakou, the city hosting the Liguang market, is also recognized for being one of the venues for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, highlighting its prominence within the region. This tragic incident serves as yet another reminder of China's recurring fire safety problems, which have resulted in deadly consequences due to lax building codes and insufficient regulatory oversight.
Footage geolocated by Agence France-Presse showcased the moments leading up to the evacuation, as firefighters battled the blaze and carried victims to safety. The narrative of this incident resonates with recent tragedies, such as the fire earlier this year in Chengdu, which hospitalized 24 individuals due to smoke inhalation, and another incident at a shopping center in Zigong last July, which claimed 16 lives.
Both the general public and regulatory bodies are urged to address the overarching issues surrounding building regulations and fire safety protocols. The high frequency of market fires across the country has raised alarm, calling for reevaluation of existing safety measures to prevent future catastrophes.
Notably, government officials reinforced their commitment to investigating the cause of this latest fire, underscoring the necessity for long-term solutions to safeguard lives within crowded urban markets. The tragic loss of life at Liguang market serves not only as grief for the affected families but emphasizes the imminent need for enhanced safety standards aimed at protecting vulnerable spaces filled with shoppers seeking basic necessities.
This event, devastating for those directly impacted, serves as a somber reminder of the challenges faced by traditional marketplaces within busy urban environments. With public sentiment highlighting the need for greater accountability, there is hope for forthcoming reforms to improve public safety and prevent similar incidents from occurring.