In the early hours of Saturday morning, a devastating fire erupted at a bustling marketplace in Zhangjiakou City, located in north China’s Hebei Province. The incident resulted in the tragic loss of eight lives and left fifteen others injured, according to local authorities.
The market, known for its vibrant trade in vegetables and daily necessities, was engulfed in flames that quickly spread through the densely packed stalls. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as vendors and shoppers attempted to escape the rapidly advancing fire.
Firefighters were dispatched promptly and worked tirelessly to extinguish the blaze. The fire was eventually brought under control, but not before causing significant casualties and damage to the marketplace structures.
Authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire. Preliminary reports suggest that the blaze may have been sparked by an electrical fault, but officials have not yet confirmed this. Safety inspections are being conducted to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The local community has been deeply affected by the tragedy. Plans are underway to provide support to the victims and their families, while the injured are receiving medical treatment in nearby hospitals.
Zhangjiakou City, known for hosting various cultural and economic activities, attracts numerous visitors and traders from surrounding regions. This incident has raised concerns about safety measures in public markets across the area.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
