Major fire sends thick black smoke billowing from high-rise apartment complex in Taiyuan, China

On November 8, 2026, in Taiyuan, Shanxi, China, @Chūqī shared a video showing a major fire at the Howard Johnson International Apartment complex. In the video, thick black smoke billows from the side of the high-rise building as flames spread through part of the structure. Fire engines and emergency personnel gather near the base of the tower while traffic and pedestrians remain visible along the busy street. Dense plumes of smoke rise along the building's exterior, with dark scorch marks and soot stains visible on its lower facade. According to reports, the fire broke out at approximately 4:59 p.m. and spread from a lower section of the building toward the eighth and ninth floors, where a hotel is located. Firefighters extinguished the flames by 7 p.m., while rescue operations concluded at approximately 8:30 p.m. The incident resulted in 14 deaths, and 38 people were initially transported to hospitals for treatment. In an update released on November 9, authorities reported that 25 people remained hospitalized, including nine in critical condition and four with serious injuries. A total of 60 people were evacuated or rescued from the building, and relevant property management personnel were placed under control as investigations continued. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.