On Monday, state media reported that ten individuals lost their lives, and one person is still trapped following the collapse of a school gym roof in northeastern China.
By 5:30 am on the same day, rescue teams managed to extract 14 survivors from the debris, but regrettably, four were already lifeless upon retrieval, and six others succumbed to their injuries despite treatment attempts.
CCTV footage displayed the entire roof caving in on the gym, prompting rescue workers to meticulously sift through the wreckage.
In response to the incident, a search and rescue operation involving nearly 160 firefighters and 39 fire trucks was swiftly launched, as per CCTV’s announcement.
Initial findings from the investigation revealed that construction workers had utilized perlite, a form of volcanic glass, on the roof. The combination of heavy rain and perlite caused expansion, ultimately leading to the roof’s collapse, according to Xinhua.
The state news agency reported that those responsible for the construction company have been taken into police custody. This unfortunate event sheds light on concerns about safety standards and enforcement in industrial practices within China.
The country has experienced numerous industrial accidents in the past, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures and stricter compliance.
Notably, one of the most severe incidents occurred in Tianjin in 2015, where a massive explosion at a chemical warehouse claimed the lives of at least 165 people.