This photo taken on July 18, 2024 shows firefighting vehicles at the site of a department store fire in Zigong City, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)
CHENGDU, July 18 (Xinhua) -- The rescue operation at the site of the department store fire in Zigong City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, was completed as of 3 a.m. on Thursday, according to the local fire and rescue headquarters.
A total of 16 people have been killed, and there are no longer any trapped individuals.
The fire in the 14-story building, located in a high-tech zone in the city, was reported at approximately 6 p.m. on Wednesday, and there was a significant amount of thick smoke at the scene.
According to preliminary investigations, the fire was caused by construction work. ■
This photo taken on July 18, 2024 shows an ambulance near the site of a department store fire in Zigong City, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)
This photo taken on July 18, 2024 shows the rescue site of a department store fire in Zigong City, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)
This photo taken on July 18, 2024 shows firefighting vehicles at the rescue site of a department store fire in Zigong City, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)
A rescuer works at the site of a department store fire in Zigong City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)
Firefighters work at the site of a department store fire in Zigong City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)
This photo taken on July 18, 2024 shows ambulances at the rescue site of a department store fire in Zigong City, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)
A nurse works at a ward of injured people of a department store fire in a hospital in Zigong City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Xi)
