A devastating fire in a school dormitory in central China’s Henan Province has resulted in the tragic loss of 13 students, sending shockwaves through the community and prompting a thorough investigation. The incident occurred in the village of Yanshanpu, at the Yingcai School, a private boarding institution that hosts both a kindergarten and an elementary school. The majority of the victims were third graders, typically around 9 years old.
The blaze broke out late on a Friday night and was reported to the local fire department at around 11:00 pm. Firefighters responded promptly and managed to extinguish the flames by 11:38 pm. Despite their swift action, the fire had already taken a severe toll, resulting in the death of 13 students and leaving one other individual injured. The injured survivor is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, local authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. One person connected to the boarding school has reportedly been detained as part of the inquiry. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about fire safety in China, where deadly fires are not uncommon due to often lax or insufficiently enforced safety measures.
The response from the authorities has been immediate, with a heavy police presence in the area and the school premises cordoned off for investigation. The community is in mourning, and the tragic event has raised questions about the safety measures in place at schools and other public buildings.
The incident has also prompted calls from China’s Ministry of Emergency Management for thorough screenings to avoid hidden fire risks, especially in densely populated places. The incident is a stark reminder of the need for stringent safety protocols and emergency response plans in educational institutions.
As the investigation continues, the community and the nation mourn the loss of young lives and await answers that might prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
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