A fire broke out at 6:11 p.m. Wednesday at the Jiuding Department Store in Zigong, Southwest China’s Sichuan province. Photo: China Fire and Rescue

Thick smoke surrounds the building on Wednesday. A preliminary investigation found the fire was caused by construction work. Photo: CCTV

Firefighters and medical personnel engage in rescue operations at the scene Wednesday. As of 8 a.m. Thursday, the fire had left 16 dead. A total of 39 people had received medical treatment. Photo: VCG

Fire and rescue vehicles remain parked outside the building in the early morning hours on Thursday. Photo: Xinhua

A rescuer searches the connected office building early Thursday. Photo: Xinhua

Ambulances are parked outside the building Thursday. Photo: Xinhua

Firetrucks are lined up at the rescue site Thursday. Photo: Xinhua