Fire inspectors in Shenzhen have closed down dozens of restaurants, factories and guesthouses as part of a safety campaign following a factory fire which killed 16 people.
The inspection blitz was launched after Mayor Li Zibin accused officials of failing to enforce fire safety rules, saying they were indirectly responsible for the fire at the Zhimao Electronics Plant in the Shajing area of Bao'an district.
The tragedy happened on June 12. Sixteen workers were trapped on the top floor of the four-storey building when a fire broke out on the ground floor, which was used to store raw materials such as plastic.
All windows were sealed with metal screens to prevent theft, creating difficulties for firefighters and those trapped inside.
More than 100 workers managed to flee to safety or be rescued but eight suffered serious injuries when they jumped from the building.
Xinhua said yesterday a city-wide inspection had been launched with inspectors specially focused on black spots such as factories, guesthouses, restaurants, dance halls and nightclubs and dangerous goods warehouses.