Deadly fire sparks work safety concerns(3)

ONE WEEK, THREE FIRES

The fire is the third major work safety accident to occur in northeast China in the past week and one of the most deadly in recent years.

On Sunday, an oil tank explosion in neighboring Liaoning Province left two people dead and another two missing.

A tank containing diesel oil residue exploded around 2:20 p.m. at a PetroChina outlet in the port city of Dalian, causing a nearby tank to burst into flames.

Although environmental authorities said nearby seawater has not been polluted, some residential communities were affected by fumes. Oil barriers have been erected in waters near the factory as a precaution and the local government has advised nearby residents to close their windows.

In Heilongjiang Province, located north of Jilin, a fire raged through a large grain storage center last Friday, causing tremendous economic losses, although no casualties were reported.

The blaze, which occurred in Huayuan Township in Lindian County, was first spotted at one barn around 1:15 p.m. Strong winds and high temperatures helped it eventually spread to another 80 barns.

It is estimated that about 1,000 tonnes of grain were consumed in the fire.

An investigation has shown that sparks from a broken wire ignited reed mats and sacks near the barn, triggering the fire.

On Monday, nine people, including the barn's manager, were charged with criminal negligence.