8 Killed, 15 Injured as Massive Fire Engulfs Food Market in Northern China

Zhangjiakou: Days after the new year began, a tragedy unfolded in a food market in North China's Zhangjiakou city that claimed lives of eight people and injured fifteen others. The fire has been extinguished but it's cause is yet to be ascertained; an investigation regarding the same is underway.

China Food Market Fire: 8 Killed, 15 Injured in Zhangjiakou

A fire at a food market Saturday in northern China killed at least eight people and injured 15 others, state media said.

The fire at the Liguang market in the city of Zhangjiakou broke out midday Saturday and was mostly extinguished by 2:00 p.m. (0600 GMT), Xinhua News Agency reported, citing a government official in Qiaoxi District where the market is located.

Cause of Fire in China's Liguang Market

The cause of the fire is under investigation, the report said. Such traditional markets are often tightly packed with shoppers seeking prices lower than at supermarket chains.

Fire sources can range from gas bottles to charcoal used to roast meat and discarded cigarettes while aging infrastructure, such as underground gas lines, has also been blamed for fires and explosions. Zhangjiakou, located in Hebei province bordering Beijing, hosted events during the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.

(Inputs from AP)