At around 9am on July 10, Meibai Electronics Factory in Longhua New District caught fire. At least five were wounded in the incident, although none of the injuries are deemed life-threatening.
Witnesses observed thick streams of smoke emerging from the top floor of the four-story factory building while fires burned within. According to the Longhua Fire Department’s Weibo account, firefighters from five different locations arrived quickly at the scene, coordinating their efforts to put out the flames and rescue those inside.
The injuries mentioned above took place when a sudden explosion caused two walls to collapse, sending debris flying. One firefighter received a facial injury, as well as a leg fracture. Two other rescuers and two people inside the building were also hurt, but luckily none of them were trapped by the explosion.
By 11.40am, the situation was under control, although heavy clouds of smoke still hung in the air. Those injured were immediately sent to hospital and are reportedly in stable condition. The remaining firefighters stayed behind to deal with the aftermath of the fire.
The area is currently closed off, and specialists are investigating further into the cause of the accident.
The top floors clearly bear the traces of the fire and subsequent explosion.
Wreckage and stray debris left in the aftermath of the fire.
Nearby residents were understandably alarmed by the incident, with some noticing the fire due to smoke and others, like a fruit shop owner across the road, hearing the explosion. One local person speculated that the accident was the result of old, faulty wiring.
Some have also stated the fire escalated quickly in the enclosed space, given the flammable and explosive materials at hand in the factory. Until the experts release their verdict, however, it all remains speculation.
[Images via Weibo, Tencent, Shenzhen Evening News]
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