(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-10-22 13:45

PUTIAN, Fujian -- Thirty-four people are dead and 21 injured after a shoe factory fire in Putian City, east China's Fujian Province, on Sunday night.

A shoe factory is seen destroyed after a fire in Putian City, East China's Fujian Province, October 22, 2007. The fire which broke out Sunday night killed 34 people and injured 21. [Xinhua]

The fire broke out at 9:50 pm at a workshop making shoe uppers in Hushi Township, Xiuyu District, but was extinguished one hour later. Sources from Xiuyu District Government said the factory was operating without a license. All the injured are being treated in hospital.

The local safety and law enforcement officials have launched an investigation into the blaze.