Devastating Fire Tragedy Claims 12 Lives in Southern China

A deadly fire swept through a four-story residential building in Shantou, southern China, killing 12 people on Tuesday. The blaze broke out at 1:20 PM GMT and took firefighters about 40 minutes to bring under control, according to China's official Xinhua news agency.

Chinese authorities have launched an investigation to determine what caused the fire. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns in China's densely populated urban areas, where older residential buildings often lack modern fire safety systems.

Shantou, located in Guangdong province, is home to over 5 million people and serves as a major commercial hub in the Pearl River Delta region. The city has experienced rapid urbanization in recent decades, but many older buildings still operate with limited safety upgrades.

Building fires remain a persistent safety challenge across China. The country has been working to strengthen fire safety regulations and enforcement, particularly in residential areas where mixed-use buildings combine living spaces with commercial activities.