Eight people suspected of “malpractice and corruption” are to be prosecuted in connection with last November’s high-rise blaze in Shanghai, in which 58 people were killed.
In addition, 16 other suspects alleged to bear some responsibility for the fire were also arrested, according to the director of Shanghai’s prosecutor’s office, Chen Xu.
He said suspects include government employees alleged to have abused their power, executives of the project’s main contractor, supervisors of renovation work being carried out, and unlicensed welders alleged to have directly caused the blaze through incorrect working practices.
The tragedy, which also left 71 residents injured, was believed to have been caused by unlicensed welders who ignited nylon netting hung on scaffolding while renovating the high rise block.
