14 Killed as Massive Fire Tears Through High-Rise Building in China

BEIJING, Nov 9: At least 14 people were killed and dozens more hospitalised after a massive fire swept through a high-rise building in northern China’s Shanxi province, state media reported on Monday.

The blaze broke out on Sunday evening in Taiyuan, the provincial capital, according to the Beijing-based Xinhua News Agency, citing local authorities.

A total of 38 people were taken to hospital following the fire, including five who were confirmed dead on Sunday. By Monday morning, the death toll had risen to 14.

The high-rise building is located in a busy downtown area of Taiyuan, near hospitals, schools, commercial centres and tourist attractions.

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the blaze, and an investigation is underway.

China has witnessed several deadly building fires in recent years, raising concerns over fire safety and building standards.

In November last year, a major blaze engulfed several tower blocks in Hong Kong, killing 168 people. A month later, another fire at a residential building in southern China's Guangdong province killed 12 people.