A foreign-flagged cargo vessel caught fire while undergoing repair work at a shipyard in Qingdao, China.
The intensity of the blaze prompted authorities to send multiple fire brigade teams to the location to tackle the emergency.
The vessel had reportedly reached the shipyard only a few days earlier for maintenance and repair work.
Chinese local media have reported that the incident could have claimed around 30 lives.
Chinese authorities have, however, not released an official death toll so far.
Li Qiang, Premier of China, instructed officials to maintain relief and rescue efforts as teams continue working at the site.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is closely monitoring the situation following the accident and directed officials to accelerate emergency operations.
The scale of the fire has raised concerns over the seriousness of the incident.
Authorities are continuing efforts to assess the situation and determine the full extent of the damage.
The Qingdao shipyard serves as an important facility under China State Shipbuilding Corporation. It undertakes the construction of commercial vessels as well as repair and maintenance work on existing ships.
The facility covers around 815 acres and supports large-scale shipbuilding and repair activities.
Chinese media have identified the vessel as a foreign-flagged ship but have not revealed the country associated with its flag.
Officials have not disclosed further details about the vessel’s ownership.
Emergency personnel remain engaged in firefighting and search operations at the shipyard. Teams are attempting to control the blaze and locate anyone who may remain trapped.
The incident could emerge as one of China’s more serious industrial accidents in recent years if the reported casualty figures are confirmed.
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