Tragedy Strikes as Fire Claims Lives of 13 Pupils in China School Dormitory

The ages of the deceased pupils have sparked widespread emotional reactions on Chinese social media, with online users expressing shock and demanding accountability for the safety lapses that led to this tragedy.

Jan 21, 2024 - 10:59 Updated: Jan 22, 2024 - 16:23

Tragedy Strikes as Fire Claims Lives of 13 Pupils in China School Dormitory

In a devastating incident, a fire broke out in the Yingcai School dormitory in Yanshanpu village, Henan province, China, claiming the lives of 13 pupils from the same third-grade class, aged nine and 10. The tragic event occurred on Friday night, prompting an immediate response from local firefighters.

Although the flames were extinguished swiftly, the aftermath left a community in grief and ignited public outrage over safety standards. The injured victim, currently undergoing stable treatment, is the sole survivor of the dormitory fire.

The ages of the deceased pupils have sparked widespread emotional reactions on Chinese social media, with online users expressing shock and demanding accountability for the safety lapses that led to this tragedy. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges related to safety standards and enforcement in China's educational facilities.

This unfortunate event adds to a series of similar tragedies in China, underscoring lax safety measures and inadequate enforcement. Previous incidents include a coal company office fire in November that claimed 26 lives and a collapsed school gym roof in July that resulted in 11 fatalities.

Despite President Xi Jinping stressing the need for thorough investigations and improved prevention measures following the November incident, such tragedies persist. In response to the latest school dormitory fire, authorities have detained at least one person linked to the school as investigations into the cause of the fire are underway.