A fire at a shoe factory in Jinjiang, in China’s eastern Fujian province, kills 28 people, according to the state-run Xinhua News Agency and multiple reports. The blaze breaks out at the Huiteng Shoes factory, described as a multi-storey workplace, and emergency responders are dispatched from local authorities in the Jinjiang/Quanzhou area. Reports say the fire starts around midday on Thursday and that flames spread rapidly through the building. Chinese President Xi Jinping orders an “all-out” search and rescue effort, calls for prompt medical treatment for victims, and directs an investigation into the cause of the fire. Authorities also say they will hold people responsible accountable once findings are made. The cause of the fire is not immediately released in the early accounts cited by outlets, though responders and preliminary investigations focus on the conditions inside the factory. Some reports also mention that firefighters face difficulties reaching certain parts of the building due to intense fire and smoke. Authorities continue rescue and investigation efforts following the incident.