Massive fire rips through shoe factory in eastern China, killing at least 28

At least 28 people were killed when a massive fire ripped through a shoe factory in eastern Fujian province in China on Thursday, according to the South China Morning Post.

The fire was reported at the Huiteng Shoes factory on Kaituo Road East in the village of Jiangtou in Chendai township, Jinjiang.

Footage circulating on social media showed giant flames and thick black smoke billowing from the building, with several people trapped on the rooftop signaling for help.

President Xi Jinping ordered an "all-out" effort to rescue and treat the victims and investigate.

Over 500 firefighters joined the rescue operation to put out the fire, Beijing-based Xinhua News reported.

Some 237 factory workers and two external delivery personnel were at the factory at the time of the fire.

A total of 213 people were evacuated, but two of them died after treatment failed at the hospital. Twenty-six missing persons were confirmed dead.

Police have detained the company's owner and several others suspected of bearing responsibility for the fire.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the nature of the accident and the responsibilities involved.

Those found responsible will resolutely be held accountable and "severely" punished, said authorities.