A fire in a market in northern China kills at least eight people and injures 15 news

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire that broke out in a crowded market in Zhangjiakou city, Hebei Province.

State media reported that a fire broke out in a market in Hebei province in northern China, killing at least eight people and injuring 15 others.

The fire broke out at Liguang Market in Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province at around midday local time (04:00 GMT) on Saturday and was mostly extinguished after two hours, according to Xinhua News Agency, citing a government official in the Qiaoxi District where the market is located. falls.

China Central Broadcasting Corporation said after the fire: “The injured were taken to hospital for treatment and are currently not in life-threatening danger.”

CCTV said authorities were investigating the cause of the fire.

Videos posted on Chinese microblogging site Weibo showed huge plumes of dark smoke hanging over the market, along with large flames.

Liguang Vegetable Market opened in 2011 and sells goods ranging from fruits, seafood and electronics, company data provider Chichacha said.

These traditional markets are often crowded with shoppers looking for lower prices than supermarket chains.

Zhangjiakou hosted events during the 2022 Winter Olympics.