Shanghai death toll reaches 53
The death toll from the Shanghai high-rise fire has now reached 53.
The fire took place yesterday in a 28-storey apartment building and was caused by unlicensed welding. More than 70 people have been hospitalised.
Officials confirm that four people have been arrested in connection to the fire.
As crowds of onlookers gathered in to see and take photos of the building on fire, residents complained that authorities took long to response.
“The fire fighting and rescue measures were not enough. A lot of vehicles came, but the rescue operation took too long. I feel very disappointed by this,” a 66-year-old resident said.
According to the Shanghai municipal office, 25 fire units and more than 100 fire engines had been sent.
Public Security Minister Meng Jianzhu warned that such fires could become common as China’s rapid urban growth is throwing up vast numbers of new high-rise buildings.
