At least eleven people have died after the roof of a school gymnasium collapsed in China’s northeastern city of Qiqihar. The incident occurred during a student volleyball team practice on Sunday afternoon. Local officials have reported that a total of nineteen people were in the gymnasium at the time, including two coaches and seventeen players from the school’s women’s team. The ages of the victims have not been specified, but interviews with team parents have revealed that some of the players were 15 and 16 years old.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the collapse may have been caused by construction materials that were left on the roof during work on an adjacent building. The material, called perlite, gained weight after being soaked in rainfall water and this led to the collapse. Further investigations are ongoing, and criminal proceedings against those involved in the construction are pending.
The incident has sparked grief and outrage among the local community and the wider public. A large crowd of mourners gathered outside the school, where flowers were placed on the front walkway. This tragedy is another in a long line of safety-related incidents in China, leading to criticism of the official handling of the situation. Social media users have accused officials of blocking the release of timely information and prioritizing their positions over the safety of children.
In a press briefing, local officials acknowledged the problems exposed by the incident, such as inadequate investigation of safety hazards and inadequate safety supervision. They pledged to deeply reflect, learn lessons, and carry out a special action plan for investigating and rectifying major safety hazards. China has been plagued by safety incidents in recent months, including explosions, coal mine collapses, and deadly fires. This has prompted nationwide campaigns to promote workplace safety and the screening and rectification of risks and hidden dangers.
The investigation into the gymnasium collapse is ongoing, and authorities are determined to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. As the community mourns the loss of these young lives, there is a call for stricter safety standards and stronger supervision to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.