Factory fire kills at least 61

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At least 61 people are dead after a fire at a poultry farm in northern China on Monday (June 3), state media reported.

The fire broke out just after dawn.

Around 100 factory workers managed to escape from the plant, state media said, adding that the complicated interior structure and narrow exits at the plant made rescue work difficult.

The exact number of people still trapped was unclear.

More than 300 workers were in the plant when the fire broke out, with employees reporting hearing a sudden bang and then seeing dark smoke.

State broadcaster CCTV showed footage of firefighters putting out the fire, which had still not been extinguished by late morning.

The injured were sent to a local hospital, though the severity of their injuries was unclear.

China has a poor record on fire safety. Fire exits are often locked or blocked and regulations can be easily skirted by bribing corrupt officials.