8 dead, 15 injured in a deadly fire at north China food market

Eight people were killed while 15 others were left injured after a fire erupted at the Liguang Market in Zhangjiakou, northern China on Saturday, according to state media reports.

The fire, which erupted around midday, was brought under control by 2:00 pm local time, as per Xinhua News Agency, citing officials from the Qiaoxi District where the market is situated.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the blaze.

Liguang Market, like many traditional food markets in China, is often densely crowded with shoppers seeking affordable alternatives to supermarket chains. Such markets, while bustling with activity, can also be prone to fire hazards.

Possible sources of ignition range from gas bottles and charcoal used for cooking to discarded cigarette butts. Aging infrastructure, such as outdated underground gas pipelines, has also been linked to previous fires and explosions in similar settings.

The tragedy highlights the risks associated with traditional market setups, where safety protocols can be difficult to enforce amid the hustle and bustle.

Zhangjiakou, a city in Hebei province near Beijing, gained international attention when it co-hosted events during the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.

Deadly fires are frequent in China, often attributed to lax building regulations and poor workplace safety standards.

In October, a fire in Chengdu left 24 people hospitalized with respiratory issues. Earlier in July, a shopping center blaze in Zigong, southwest China, claimed 16 lives.