Twelve people were evacuated safely and five others were taken to hospital as rescue teams searched for those still missing. At least 20 people died and five remain missing after a fire broke out on the Liberian bulk carrier Ocean Melody while it was undergoing repairs at the Qingdao Beihai Shipyard in eastern China on Thursday.
Authorities launched a campaign targeting hazards in high-rise buildings last November. The Ocean Melody was in port for maintenance when the blaze started. The Qingdao fire comes after several deadly industrial accidents in China. China has also stepped up efforts to tackle fire risks. Investigators must now determine what caused the Ocean Melody fire and whether maintenance work, equipment or safety procedures played a part. The search for the five missing people remained the immediate priority.
The fire broke out at around 11:15 am local time at the Beihai Shipbuilding yard in Qingdao, Shandong province. Chinese state media said 42 people were aboard the vessel. Firefighters brought the blaze under control by about 2:30 pm, more than three hours after it began. In August, an explosion followed by a fire at a shipyard in Fujian province killed a fire and rescue worker and injured 12 people. A fire at a shoe factory in Fujian in July killed at least 28 people. In May, an explosion at a fireworks factory in central China killed 37.
Investigation Underway Following Qingdao Shipyard Fire
A fire at a Qingdao shipyard involving the bulk carrier Ocean Melody has prompted a significant emergency response. Five individuals were hospitalized, and all are reported to be in stable condition. Authorities have initiated a search and rescue operation for those still unaccounted for.
Images from Xinhua depict a large vessel at the shipyard, with fire engines positioned nearby. The Ocean Melody, a Liberian-flagged ship measuring approximately 190 meters, was undergoing maintenance when the fire broke out. The cause of the blaze is currently unknown, and officials are investigating how it spread during the maintenance process.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has directed local authorities to expedite the search for missing persons and to thoroughly investigate the fire’s origins. He emphasized that those responsible for the incident must be held accountable. Xi urged all relevant departments to learn from this event and to address any fire hazards that may exist.
Premier Li Qiang has also called for the immediate rescue of any individuals who may still be trapped and has stressed the importance of providing appropriate medical care for the injured. He cautioned officials to take measures to prevent any secondary disasters.
The involvement of China’s top leadership has intensified scrutiny on local authorities to determine what went wrong at the shipyard and whether any safety protocols were neglected, contributing to the incident.
