Fire in Zigong Shopping Mall Claims 16 Lives

Rescue operations conclude after blaze in southwestern China; construction work suspected as cause.

The fire broke out in a 14-story building in Zigong, Sichuan province, on Wednesday evening.
Sixteen people were confirmed dead, and 75 individuals were rescued from the building.
Over 90 firefighters and nearly 300 emergency workers responded to the scene.
Thick black smoke engulfed the building, complicating rescue efforts.
Preliminary investigations suggest the fire was caused by construction activities.