Poor safety measures to blame for mall blaze
By Zhang Xuanchen |
November 12, 2010, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
AUTHORITIES in northeast China's Jilin Province said that inadequate safety measures in a shopping mall were to blame for a 12-hour blaze that killed 19, injured 24 others and gutted the building.
Cui Zhenji, deputy major of Jilin Province, said investigators had found a series of safety shortcomings in the design and management of the five-story Jilin Commercial Building, which was ravaged by fire last Friday morning in Jilin City, reported China News Weekly yesterday.
Cui did not elaborate as an investigation was still under way but his words were echoed by many shopkeepers. A merchandiser, who asked to remain anonymous, said the water sprinkler system broke down and that people had to grope through darkness to find exits, as emergency lighting didn't work.
Escape efforts were also hindered as some evacuation passages and windows had been bricked up, he said.
The merchandiser said he could not remember a fire drill taking place this year, even though they should be carried out twice annually.
It was also reported that fire engines were initially prevented from getting close to the scene by rocks placed around the mall to stop cars parking.
The complex manager has been held for questioning.
Twenty-one victims were discharged from hospital on Monday. The remainder were in a stable condition.
Cui Zhenji, deputy major of Jilin Province, said investigators had found a series of safety shortcomings in the design and management of the five-story Jilin Commercial Building, which was ravaged by fire last Friday morning in Jilin City, reported China News Weekly yesterday.
Cui did not elaborate as an investigation was still under way but his words were echoed by many shopkeepers. A merchandiser, who asked to remain anonymous, said the water sprinkler system broke down and that people had to grope through darkness to find exits, as emergency lighting didn't work.
Escape efforts were also hindered as some evacuation passages and windows had been bricked up, he said.
The merchandiser said he could not remember a fire drill taking place this year, even though they should be carried out twice annually.
It was also reported that fire engines were initially prevented from getting close to the scene by rocks placed around the mall to stop cars parking.
The complex manager has been held for questioning.
Twenty-one victims were discharged from hospital on Monday. The remainder were in a stable condition.
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