China orders prompt probe into swaying Shenzhen skyscraper

SEG Plaza tenants are concerned about their investment, businesses and personal safety while building managers try to find alternative accommodation

Within days of the first shakes, Shenzhen government began posting on social media, saying so far data showed the building was within safety requirements

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The SEG Plaza in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen started shaking last week, triggering widespread panic. Photo: AFP

Published: 9:00am, 25 May 2021Updated: 10:45am, 25 May 2021

Corrected [10:41am, 25 May, 2021]

[10:41am, 25 May, 2021]
This article initially stated that SEG Plaza’s office units were previously valued at an average 6,000 yuan (US$930) per square metre. It has been amended to clarify that they were previously valued at an average 36,000 yuan (US$5,600) per square metre.

Officials in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong have ordered a swift and “scientific” investigation to address public fears about a swaying landmark skyscraper in Shenzhen.

The orders come as tenants in the SEG Plaza worry about the future of their businesses and the building’s management scrambles to find alternative accommodation for clients.

About 15,000 people fled the skyscraper in downtown Shenzhen on Tuesday when the floors began shaking. The shaking continued for two days and the building was closed on Friday for assessment.

The investigation team, led by provincial Communist Party secretary Li Xi, met officials and experts at the site on Saturday to discuss the next steps, the Shenzhen Special Zone Daily reported on Monday.

The team also includes provincial governor Ma Xingrui, Shenzhen party chief Wang Weizhong and the city’s new mayor Qin Weizhong.

Qin was named the city’s mayor on Thursday and the fears about the 356-metre (1,200-feet) skyscraper are the first challenge of his administration.

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