Cargo ship fire in Qingdao leaves multiple casualties

A foreign‑flagged cargo vessel docked at Qingdao’s shipyard suffered a blaze during maintenance, officials said. The fire broke out at 11:15 local time, causing extensive damage and casualties among crew and workers.

President Xi Jinping immediately demanded urgent search and rescue operations and a thorough investigation. Xinhua reported that the blaze also threatened nearby infrastructure and that firefighting crews responded promptly.

The incident underscores the risks of maritime maintenance in crowded ports and highlights the need for stringent safety protocols. Authorities are still assessing the exact number of injuries and are working to prevent further risks.

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