“We are deeply saddened to learn that a fire that broke out in Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China caused loss of lives and injuries. We extend our condolences and wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” the Ministry said.

“We expect the reasons of the fire to be made public,” the Ministry added.

On Thursday, a fire in a residential high-rise in Ürümqi, Xinjiang, China killed at least 10 people.

There were questions on whether China's strict enforcement of the zero-COVID policy meant that the residents could not leave the building, leaving them to die. (ILKHA)