In a heart-wrenching incident, eleven people lost their lives after the roof of a school gym collapsed in Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, northeastern China. State media reported the devastating event on Monday, revealing the cause behind the catastrophe.
According to the state news agency Xinhua, the collapse occurred due to construction workers illegally placing perlite, a form of volcanic glass, on the building’s roof. The presence of perlite, combined with heavy rainfall, caused it to expand and increase in weight, ultimately leading to the roof’s catastrophic failure.
Footage broadcast by state broadcaster CCTV showcased the grim aftermath of the incident, with the concrete slabs of the roof giving way entirely. Rescue workers valiantly battled through large chunks of concrete and twisted metal in an effort to reach victims, using tools such as pneumatic jackhammers to aid in their rescue efforts.
“A total of 11 people died in the accident,” reported state broadcaster CCTV, shedding light on the devastating toll the incident took on lives.
The tragedy unfolded just before 15.00 (07.00 GMT) on Sunday at the No. 34 Middle School, where nineteen people were present in the gym when the collapse occurred. Among them, four managed to escape the ordeal, and another four were miraculously pulled from the rubble alive. However, the rest succumbed to the collapse, and the search and rescue operation, which involved nearly 160 firefighters and 39 fire trucks, has since been concluded.
Authorities have launched an in-depth investigation into the accident, and those responsible for the construction have been taken into police custody, according to state media.
Alarming accounts of concerns raised prior to the collapse have surfaced, with one unnamed source stating that worries were expressed over the materials piled up on the roof. The gymnasium, which was constructed over two decades ago, had reportedly fallen into disrepair in several areas, raising red flags among those aware of the conditions.
Industrial accidents are unfortunately common in China, often attributed to lax safety standards and inadequate enforcement.
