Fire engulfs skyscraper in central Chinese city
A fire broke out in a 42-storey building in the central Chinese city of Changsha on Friday, with no casualties reported yet.
Photos and videos of the city of 10 million showed orange flames and thick clouds of black smoke billowing from structures. According to state broadcaster CCTV, the building housed the offices of China Telecom, the country’s largest telecommunications company.
But in a statement WeiboThe fire was brought under control by 4:30 pm on Friday, China Telecom said.
“To avoid serious danger, some equipment in the building has been shut down,” another statement said. “Right now, fixed-line communication and mobile internet service can be accessed as normal, although voice functionality in some mobile phones may be affected. This is being handled immediately.”
Accidental fires are not uncommon in China, where building codes are not enforced and unauthorized construction is common. AFP reported.
At least 15 people were killed and at least 25 injured in a warehouse fire in the northeastern province of Jilin in July last year, AFP reported, citing state media. In June of the same year, 18 people, mostly children, died in a fire at a martial arts school in Henan province.