The fire broke out at around 6:50 a.m. Thursday in a coal mining company’s office building in Lyuliang, Shanxi province. Twenty-six people have died and 38 more were taken to hospital, with three suffering serious injuries. Photo: Xinhua

A fire truck sprays water as smoke billows from the blazing building. Photo: Xinhua

The slogan on top of the building promotes operational safety, standardized management, and knowledge of emergency prevention. Photo: VCG

Blackened walls and broken windows are left in the aftermath of the fire. Photo: Xinhua

Gaping holes in windows show where high-pressure water hoses were used to dowse the fire and rescue personnel entered the building. Photo: Xinhua

Firefighters carry out rescue work after the fire was extinguished at 1.45 p.m. Thursday. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Photo: Screenshot from CCTV News

A picture of the office building before the fire. Thirteen people in charge of the company have been placed under police control. Photo: Yongju Coal’s website

The gate of the coal company where the fire took place. Lyuliang Lishi Yongju Coal Co. Ltd. is affiliated to Shanxi Dongtai Energy Co. Ltd., one of Shanxi’s major private coal businesses. Photo: Yongju Coal’s website