At least 15 killed in fire thought to have been started by electric bicycle in eastern China

The aftermath of the fire in a residential area of Nanjing, Jiangsu province, China, on February 23.

At least 15 lives were tragically lost in a fire believed to have originated from an electric bicycle parked at a high-rise residential building in eastern China early Friday morning, as reported by state media.

The blaze, which engulfed the 34-floor building in the eastern city of Nanjing, also left 44 individuals injured, according to CCTV.

Among the injured, two individuals are in critical condition while the others sustained minor injuries and are receiving medical care.

Preliminary investigations suggest that an electric bike parked on an open floor of the building may have triggered the fire, as per the state broadcaster. Further investigations are underway.

Footage circulated on Chinese social media depicted a fierce blaze spreading to the exterior of the building, with billows of smoke emanating from various floors, leaving scorch marks on the facade.

The blaze appears to have started on the first floor of the building, where electric bikes were kept

Emergency services were alerted at 4:39 a.m., and 20 fire engines were dispatched to the scene, successfully extinguishing the fire by 6 a.m., according to CCTV.

In a press conference held early Saturday, Nanjing Mayor Chen Zhichang expressed profound condolences to the families of the victims and those injured, conveying deep regret on behalf of the Nanjing government.

Mayor Chen emphasized the gravity of the incident and assured that a thorough investigation is underway to provide answers to the victims and society at large.

The tragic event became a focal point on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, garnering over 470 million views by Saturday afternoon.

Reports have linked faulty electric bicycles to several fires in the country in recent years, prompting calls for stricter regulations on this popular mode of transport.

Hu Xijin, former editor-in-chief of the Global Times, expressed shock and sorrow over the incident, advocating for comprehensive measures to address the management of electric bicycles, a sentiment echoed by many.

Some commentators urged authorities to take proactive steps rather than merely offering apologies, emphasizing the importance of tangible actions in ensuring public safety.