A tragic 1993 factory fire in Shenzhen sparked global demands for worker safety
The 1993 Zhili Toy Factory fire in Shenzhen exposed the harrowing reality of rapid industrialization, where locked doors and barred windows turned a workplace into a deadly trap for dozens of workers.
On November 19, 1993, a devastating fire ripped through the Zhili Toy Factory in Shenzhen, claiming 87 lives. Most victims were young women from rural provinces seeking a better life. The tragedy was worsened by 'sweatshop' conditions where management had barred windows and locked fire exits to prevent theft, leaving workers with no escape.
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