Massive fire rips through high-rise building, many killed

A massive fire on Saturday night ripped through a multi-storey building in Shanxi, China, engulfing the entire structure in flames and leaving many dead.

State media described the blaze as intense and reported that many are also injured among whom nine are said to be in serious condition.

Visuals showed flames leaping across floors as firefighters battled to contain the inferno and rescue those trapped inside.

Footage circulating online showed intense flames tearing up the side of the structure, with thick plumes of smoke billowing into the night sky as onlookers gathered nearby.

Authorities have confirmed that the blaze has now been extinguished.

Fire crews, police officers and local emergency response teams remain at the scene, continuing rescue operations and assessing the situation.