On the morning of May 16th, a fire broke out at a wholesale market on Renmin South Road in Liwan District, Guangzhou, resulting in at least one fatality. A video circulating online showed individuals climbing over railings to escape the flames. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
Witness Ms. Liang disclosed to “Focused News” that the fire originated directly across from her home on Renmin South Road in Liwan District, Guangzhou. She observed several individuals on the rooftop calling for help.
Around 9:30 a.m., smoke began to billow from the building across from her residence, gradually thickening into a dense haze. At least six to seven people could be seen waving for assistance from the rooftop.
A nearby shop owner revealed that the fire originated in a clothing wholesale building.
The circulated video depicted thick smoke and visible flames at the scene, with individuals risking their lives by climbing over railings in the absence of proper protection. Some were rescued using emergency ladders.
Around noon, the Guangzhou Fire Department issued a statement on their official Weibo account indicating that nine trapped individuals at the site had sustained minor injuries, while one person was reported missing.
In the afternoon of the 16th, the department updated their Weibo post, stating that the flames were extinguished around 11:40 p.m. The previously missing individual was confirmed to have no vital signs.
Neither of the Guangzhou Fire Department’s announcements disclosed the cause of the fire.