Fire Ravages China High-Rise Building, Leaving 14 Dead and Triggering Major Rescue Operation

At least 14 people were killed after a fire broke out in a high-rise building in Taiyuan, the capital of China's northern Shanxi Province, triggering a major rescue operation. Around 60 people were evacuated from the building as firefighters battled the flames and searched for possible survivors.

The fire erupted at 4:59 pm on Sunday in a building located in the city's Yingze District. Firefighters deployed specialised high-altitude equipment to spray water on the upper floors in an effort to contain the blaze and prevent it from reigniting.

Even after the flames were brought under control, thick smoke continued to emerge from several floors, raising concerns about conditions inside the building. Rescue personnel were seen searching the fire-hit sections, with flashlights visible through the windows as they looked for people who might still be trapped.

The building reportedly housed several training institutions and was located next to a hotel, according to local accounts. Signboards of the institutions could be seen on the exterior of the structure.

Following the incident, authorities placed the property's owners and officials responsible for the property management company under control measures as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fire continued.

The Taiyuan city administration has mobilised medical resources from across the province and municipality to provide treatment to those injured in the incident.

The authorities are yet to disclose the precise cause of the fire or provide further details about the circumstances that led to the deaths.