Sat Jan 04 10:06:56 UTC 2025: ## Deadly Market Fire in Zhangjiakou, China
**Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province** – A devastating fire at the Liguang market in Zhangjiakou, Hebei province, has claimed the lives of at least eight people and injured 15 others. The blaze, which erupted around midday local time on Saturday (04:00 GMT), engulfed the bustling market, known for its wide range of goods from produce to electronics.
According to Xinhua News Agency, citing a Qiaoxi district official, firefighters largely contained the fire within two hours. All injured individuals have been transported to local hospitals and are reportedly out of life-threatening danger, state broadcaster CCTV reported.
Videos circulating on social media show significant flames and plumes of thick, dark smoke billowing from the market. The Liguang market, opened in 2011, is a popular destination for shoppers seeking affordable prices, typical of traditional Chinese markets known for their densely packed layout.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire. The incident comes as a tragic blow to the city of Zhangjiakou, which recently hosted events for the 2022 Winter Olympics.
First Piper 