What’s new: Eight suspects have been detained by police in Central China’s Hubei province after a gas pipe explosion killed 25 and left 138 injured.
The general manager of Shiyan Dongfeng Zhongran City Gas Development Co. Ltd., was among those detained, according to a statement (link in Chinese) issued by the Shiyan city government Friday.
The statement said a preliminary investigation found that the company’s safety management system was inadequate, and gas pipeline inspections had not been carried out in accordance with the rules. There were also serious faults found in the operation of related equipment.
A further investigation is underway, the statement said, adding that those responsible will be held accountable
The background: The gas pipe explosion occurred at a food market in the city’s Yanhu residential community early on Sunday, leaving dozens of residents and vendors buried in the debris.
Hubei province authorities have announced a round of inspections for the gas industry that will run through September. The State Council’s work safety committee and the Ministry of Emergency Management have also ordered nationwide safety checks to uncover hazards and improve supervision over the industry. The authorities pressed local governments to learn from the incident.
Contact reporter Cai Xuejiao (xuejiaocai@caixin.com) and editor Heather Mowbray (heathermowbray@caixin.com)
Get our weekly free Must-Read newsletter.
