25 Killed As Fire Breaks Out In Chinese Coal Firm's Office: Report

At least 25 people were killed after a fire broke out at a coal company's office building in China's northern Shanxi province.

At least 25 people were killed after a fire broke out at a coal company's office building in China's northern Shanxi province.

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At least 25 people were killed after a fire broke out at a coal company's office building in China's northern Shanxi province, news agency Reuters reported on Thursday, citing state media. The incident occurred at the four-story Yongju Coal Industry Joint Building in the country's top coal-producing hub, Shanxi.

According to the initial CCTV footage of the state broadcaster, the fire claimed 11 lives and injured at least 51, and subsequently, the death toll was raised twice, Reuters reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

According to the National Mine Safety Administration, the fire ripped through the second floor of the five-storey building located in Lishi district of Lyuliang city, Xinhua news agency reported. Rescue efforts are underway, the authorities added.

The building belongs to the private Yongju coal mine company, which has a production capacity of 120 tonnes a year.