BEIJING: An investigation into a fire that killed 39 people and injured nine early this year at a building complex in Xinyu, Jiangxi province, has uncovered a trail of negligence and misconduct, leading to punitive action against the responsible parties.
The accident, which happened on the afternoon of Jan 24, also caused direct economic loss of more than 43.52 million yuan ($6.17 million).
A joint investigation team was established after the fire by the Ministry of Emergency Management, the Ministry of Public Security, the National Fire and Rescue Administration, the All-China Federation of Trade Unions and the Jiangxi Provincial People’s Government.
The fire was caused by illegal construction of a cold storage facility in the basement of the building complex, according to a report on the investigation released on Saturday.
During construction, the use of polyurethane foam sealant led to the emission of flammable gases, which gradually built up to hazardous levels, said the report, which was reviewed and approved at an executive meeting of the State Council, China’s Cabinet.
Simultaneously, when plastic film was being placed on extruding polystyrene boards, the generation of static electricity triggered the igniting of the gases, the foam and other combustible substances. –The Daily Mail-China Daily news exchange item
