A preliminary investigation into Wednesday's fire at a shopping centre in Sichuan province that killed 16 people indicated that it was caused by construction work.

The blaze started at around 6pm in the mall at the foot of a 14-storey building in the city of Zigong. It was put out more than two hours later.

A rescue operation lasted for hours into Thursday. Reports said dozens who had been trapped were plucked to safety.

Footage on social media showed thick black smoke rising from the building.

The Ministry of Emergency Management and National Fire and Rescue Administration said they have dispatched a working team to Sichuan following the deadly fire.

Fire experts from across the country will join the probe into the blaze. (Reporting by Xinhua)