Bus blaze arson suspect died in the flames
Source: Xinhua |
June 9, 2013, Sunday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
A MAN alleged to have started a fire on a crowded bus to "vent personal grievances" in southeast China's Xiamen city in Fujian Province, on Friday evening died in the blaze, the Xiamen city government said yesterday.
Chen Shuizong, born in 1954 and a native of Xiamen, was identified as the arsonist behind the fire which claimed 47 lives and hospitalized 34 others, the information office of the city government said in a statement.
The statement said an investigation and DNA evidence indicated Chen was the suspect.
Xiamen police found notes in the suspect's house, which showed that Chen was unhappy with his life, and planned the attack to vent personal grievances.
The fire occurred at about 6:20pm on Friday on a BRT (bus rapid transit) bus. Flames engulfed the bus within minutes during evening rush hour.
As of 8pm yesterday, 47 people were confirmed dead and 34 others were hospitalized in the city's two hospitals. Among the injured, 16 people were in critical condition, said Yao Guanhua, deputy director of the Health Department of Xiamen City.
A list of those injured in the blaze has been released, while the identities of the victims are still being verified.
Ninety people were on board the BRT bus, which had a designed capacity of 95, when the fire occurred.
Passengers included 15 students, seven of whom are receiving medical treatment. The other eight students remain missing, according to the Xiamen Municipal Education Bureau. Two candidates for the national university entry examination, were among those being treated at the hospital.
Initial investigations had suggested the bus fire was a suspected "serious criminal case." The tires and fuel tank had not been damaged before the fire, said investigators.
The BRT bus line in Xiamen resumed operations yesterday, with strict safety checks on passengers' luggage.
The system has more than 265,000 passengers a day. The bus operates on a nine-meter high elevated road, believed to be China's first overhead rapid transport system when launched in 2008. The three lines cover 67 kilometers.
Investigations are continuing.
Chen Shuizong, born in 1954 and a native of Xiamen, was identified as the arsonist behind the fire which claimed 47 lives and hospitalized 34 others, the information office of the city government said in a statement.
The statement said an investigation and DNA evidence indicated Chen was the suspect.
Xiamen police found notes in the suspect's house, which showed that Chen was unhappy with his life, and planned the attack to vent personal grievances.
The fire occurred at about 6:20pm on Friday on a BRT (bus rapid transit) bus. Flames engulfed the bus within minutes during evening rush hour.
As of 8pm yesterday, 47 people were confirmed dead and 34 others were hospitalized in the city's two hospitals. Among the injured, 16 people were in critical condition, said Yao Guanhua, deputy director of the Health Department of Xiamen City.
A list of those injured in the blaze has been released, while the identities of the victims are still being verified.
Ninety people were on board the BRT bus, which had a designed capacity of 95, when the fire occurred.
Passengers included 15 students, seven of whom are receiving medical treatment. The other eight students remain missing, according to the Xiamen Municipal Education Bureau. Two candidates for the national university entry examination, were among those being treated at the hospital.
Initial investigations had suggested the bus fire was a suspected "serious criminal case." The tires and fuel tank had not been damaged before the fire, said investigators.
The BRT bus line in Xiamen resumed operations yesterday, with strict safety checks on passengers' luggage.
The system has more than 265,000 passengers a day. The bus operates on a nine-meter high elevated road, believed to be China's first overhead rapid transport system when launched in 2008. The three lines cover 67 kilometers.
Investigations are continuing.
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