Taiyuan (Monitoring Desk): At least 14 people have been killed and 25 others injured in a devastating fire at a high-rise building in Taiyuan, the capital of China's northern Shanxi Province. Nine of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.
According to a news agency, official sources said the fire broke out on Sunday evening in a building located in the city's central area. The incident occurred at 4:59 pm local time.
Rescue teams brought the fire under control after nearly two hours of continuous efforts. According to officials, rescue operations were completed by 8:30 pm on Sunday, and a total of 38 people had been transferred to hospitals for medical treatment.
Initially, the deaths of five people were confirmed. However, by Monday, the death toll had risen to 14. Officials said 25 injured people were still receiving treatment in hospitals, including nine whose condition was reported to be critical.
Chinese authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
Meanwhile, President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow and grief over the loss of precious lives in the tragic incident in China's Shanxi Province.