The safety of life and property is paramount for the authorities after a major disaster or accident. But while it comes first, that does not diminish the public’s right to accurate information. Media organisations and their journalists have an important role to play in keeping people informed as well as reporting official briefings. The authorities in charge of an emergency therefore need to strike a balance between public safety and the public’s right to know.

There is a question whether they got it right following an explosion that ripped through a four-storey building in Hebei province, near Beijing, killing seven and injuring 27 people. Online videos of local authorities removing reporters for Chinese state media from the scene have sparked controversy over press restrictions.

The incident became a trending topic on social media. Apologetic local authorities said the emergency response office had ordered fast evacuation to prevent secondary accidents and local staff were following the order. They had “poor communication skills” and adopted “rough” measures that “triggered misunderstanding”.

Chinese state media blocked from blast site, raising press freedom debate

The All China Journalists’ Association has called on authorities to make it easier for journalists to conduct on-site interviews when reporting on emergencies. It says they should not be obstructed “for the sake of controlling public opinion”. The statement is unusual, coming from a semi-official body. It is to be welcomed. In an emergency, many well-meaning provincial officials still follow outdated, bad practice aimed at preventing spread of misinformation. But journalists’ legitimate rights should be protected.