At least 26 people died after a fire broke out at an office building in China's Shanxi province on Thursday, media reports said on Saturday.

The fire at the four-storey building in Luliang City, Shanxi province broke out at around 07:00 local time on Thursday, reported BBC.

Of the dozens evacuated from the Yongju Coal Industry Joint Building, 63 people were taken to hospital, the British media reported.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who was in the USA during the incident, directed authorities to check hidden dangers in key industries to safeguard people's lives and property as well as social stability after a fire accident, local media reports said.

A total of 18 fire trucks, more than 30 ambulances, more than 90 medical personnel, and more than 150 rescue personnel were deployed on-site for emergency response and rescue operation following the fire incident.

The Lüliang police said that multiple individuals responsible for the accident have been arrested and are cooperating with the police investigation, Global Times reported quoting Beijing News.