Jiangxi, China – An investigation into a fire in a shop and hotel complex in Xinyu, China that killed 39 people in January has discovered it was caused by the way an illegal cold storage facility in the basement was being constructed.
A polyurethane foam sealant being used during the construction led to a slow build-up of flammable gases, the investigation team found. Static electricity generated as a plastic film was installed on polystyrene boards ignited the gases, plus the foam and other combustible materials. This led to the formation of toxic smoke, which rapidly spread to the second floor. A group of teachers and students became trapped there.
The fire prevention measures within the complex were insufficient, they found, with an absence of fire barriers from the basement allowing the smoke to spread quickly. The building’s owner had also illegally rented out the basement where the cold storage unit was being built, and the educational institution was also operating outside regulations, as was the hotel.
A number of senior officials and others deemed responsible for the fire have been punished, and 10 people have arrested.
