News

Three firefighters were killed while putting out a blaze at Rexam Plastic Packaging (Shanghai) yesterday (17 July).

Nine other firefighters were injured, the official Xinhua news agency said.

The fire started just after midday at the Rexam warehouse in Shanghai's Fengxian district.

The factory's major supporting beam is reported to have fallen and crushed many of the firemen as they tackled the flames, leading to the three deaths and injuries to nine.

More than 300 firefighters were needed to contain the fire.

The injured were sent to hospital and local residents evacuated.

UK-based Rexam is a leading producer of beverage cans, which account for 70% of the firm's business. Plastic packaging accounts for the remaining 30%.

The Shanghai company was established in 1992.