Tragic Fire Erupts in Hebei's Bustling Vegetable Market

A devastating fire at the Liguang vegetable market in Zhangjiakou, Hebei province, claimed eight lives and injured 15. Chinese authorities are probing into the incident, which was extinguished just an hour after it started. Videos showed thick smoke and large flames engulfing the market.

A catastrophic fire struck Zhangjiakou's Liguang vegetable market in Hebei province, resulting in the tragic loss of eight lives and injuries to 15 more, according to state television CCTV. The fire, which broke out around 8:40 a.m., was brought under control within an hour.

Footage shared on China's Weibo platform displayed towering dark smoke and fierce flames consuming the market located in the Qiaoxi district. This marketplace, operational since 2011, offers a variety of goods from seafood and fruit to electronics, as reported by Qichacha, a company data provider.

Authorities are diligently investigating the cause of the blaze to prevent future incidents of this nature. The event has cast a shadow over the bustling commercial hub, prompting widespread concern for safety measures in public spaces.

(With inputs from agencies.)