Poor construction, safety checks blamed for fire at old people's home in China that killed 38
Bungalows at complex in Pingdingshan built of steel sheets stuffed with flammable materials, investigators discover
A preliminary investigation into a nursing home fire that killed 38 people in central China has blamed poor building construction and lax safety checks.
The State Administration of Work Safety said in a statement that investigators found the bungalows of the Kangleyuan Rest Home in central Henan province were built with steel sheets stuffed with flammable materials.
The government watchdog group also found poorly designed fire exits and insufficient emergency response and electrical systems.
The authorities have responded to the blaze by ordering safety checks at nursing homes, kindergartens and other facilities around the country.
They have also pledged to punish those responsible and have detained 12 people so far in connection with the blaze in Lushan county, Pingdingshan, including the rest home’s legal representative.
The fire broke out on Monday night in the privately run home for the elderly and prompted calls for investigations from top government officials, including President Xi Jinping.