Authorities reported that nine of the injured remain in critical condition; the accident occurred in the city of Taiyuan and the causes are still under investigation
BEIJING. At least 14 people died and another 25 remain hospitalized after a fire broke out Sunday in an apartment complex in Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi province in northern China, according to the Spanish news agency EFE.
The death toll rose on Monday, after an initial tally by authorities reported five deaths among the 38 people initially taken to hospitals.
According to an update from local authorities, of the 25 patients still hospitalized, nine are in critical condition, four have serious injuries, and 12 others have minor injuries.
60 people rescued from the complex
The fire occurred at approximately 4:59 p.m. local time on Sunday at the Haosheng International Apartment residential complex, located in the Yingze district.
Emergency teams arrived at the scene a few minutes after receiving the alert and managed to extinguish the visible flames at approximately 7:00 p.m. Meanwhile, the search and rescue operations concluded at 8:30 p.m.
During the operation, rescue agencies managed to evacuate and rescue 60 people who were inside the building.
According to the official report released later, more than 1,500 personnel participated in the response efforts, with support from fire department units, ambulances, and medical personnel.
They are investigating the causes of the accident
Following the fire, authorities launched an investigation to establish the circumstances that caused the fire and determine possible liability.
As part of the proceedings, those responsible for the entity that owns the property and the company that manages the building were placed under the control of the authorities, while the investigations continue.
Hospitals are also continuing to care for those affected, while local agencies are coordinating assistance to the victims' families and post-emergency efforts.
So far, authorities have not released the definitive causes of the fire.
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