At least 39 people die in building fire in China Biden wins primaries – and is interrupted several times during his campaign appearance

At least 39 people have been killed in a fire in a building in China’s eastern province of Jiangxi. Chinese state media reported this on Wednesday evening (local time).

The fire broke out in the afternoon in the city of Xinyu, about 150 kilometers southwest of the provincial capital Nanchang. According to the state news agency Xinhua, the flames flared up on the ground floor of a shop. After the alarm was raised, 120 rescue workers rushed to the scene. State TV said there were suspicions that more people were in the building.

In the evening, it was initially determined that the number of victims would be 25, the city of Xinyu announced. Authorities later adjusted the number even further upwards. According to state television, at least 9 injured people were also taken to hospital. No further information was initially available about the cause of the fire.

Authorities said search and rescue efforts were still ongoing in the evening. Municipal staff are on site to investigate the cause of the fire. Video footage circulated on Chinese social media showing thick black smoke rising from a shopping street. (sda/dpa)