A fatal fire has occurred at a factory making athletic footwear in China. 

The fire broke out at a production facility run by Huiteng Shoes in Chendai, near Jinjiang, in Fujian province on July 9. State media outlet Xinhua has reported 28 fatalities, but there are also reports of more workers being unaccounted for. 

China’s president, Xi Jinping, has said the authorities will hold to account those responsible for any lack of safety provisions at the factory. 

Hong Kong-based newspaper the South China Morning Post said factories in Chendai produce more than 1 billion pairs of sports shoes every year. 

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