Govt gives details of fatal SW China stampede

The government of Kuming, capital of Yunnan Province, has given a detailed account of Friday's stampede that killed six pupils and injured 26 at a highly regarded primary school in the city.

At about 2 p.m. on Friday at Mingtong Primary School, students were walking downstairs in the dormitory building after a nap. A number of students were playing with a large cushion, which fell and blocked the way. Some children stumbled over the cushion and fell on each other, causing chaos. The situation escalated when other kids, unaware of the situation continued to push, leading to a stampede, according to Kunming's city government.

Seven officials have been suspended or removed from their posts following the accident. Anyone found guilty will be severely punished.

As of Sunday 9:00 p.m., 18 students had been discharged from hospital, while eight remain under observation.

Classes at the school have been suspended until the end of the National Day holiday on October 7.

Founded in 1955, Mingtong Primary in downtown Kunming is considered one of the best schools in the district.