An official assessment released on Sunday claims that substandard, unlawful construction and a lack of enforcement by local officials were to blame for the collapse of a nine-story building in central China last year that killed 54 people.
Following the Changsha tragedy in April 2022, which buried survivors under debris for up to five days, at least nine persons, including the building owner, were reportedly detained. There were nine injuries.
According to state TV, the report by investigators chosen by the ruling Communist Party claimed that “illegal and irregular construction” and extensions by inhabitants were to blame for the “self-built” structure’s collapse.
It said municipal officials “shirked responsibility” and were “not serious” about implementing building regulations.
The report did not mention potential sanctions for the owner and local officials.
At the time, news reports stated that the structure had six levels, but a story published on Sunday claimed that a ninth level had been added in part.
The additional weight allegedly overwhelmed the original five-story building’s poorly constructed structure.
China has experienced several building collapses caused by owners erecting structures in violation of safety regulations or due to unlawful floor additions.
Chinese President Xi Jinping was prompted to issue further checks to look for structural flaws.
Firefighters in China hold a moment of silence for the victims of Monday’s hotel building collapse in the Jiangsu province. Initial reports state that the collapse, which killed at least 17 people, was triggered by unauthorized renovations. pic.twitter.com/6wNsnLjWX5
— CBS News (@CBSNews) July 15, 2021
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