The last missing person from the collapsed high school gym was found
Qiqihar Tragedy: Middle School Gymnasium Roof Collapse Claims 11 Lives
24 July 2023
Qiqihar City, China - In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves across the nation, the roof of a high school gymnasium in Qiqihar City collapsed on July 23rd, trapping and eventually claiming the lives of 11 students and teachers. The accident occurred during a volleyball training session involving the school's reserve team, which had won second place in the provincial tournament (Xinhua News Agency).
The search and rescue efforts commenced immediately after the incident was reported at around 4 pm on the 23rd. Over 100 rescuers, including firefighters, police officers, and civil workers were dispatched to the scene. They worked tirelessly throughout the night, utilizing advanced equipment and techniques to locate and extricate those trapped beneath the rubble (CCTV News).
After an arduous 24 hours of search and rescue operations, all trapped individuals have been located and rescued. The last victim was found around 3 am on July 24th. Authorities are now conducting a thorough investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the collapse and identify those responsible for any negligence (Chief reporter Feng Zhiyuan).
Some netizens have expressed anger and frustration at the incident, blaming it on illegal construction activities in the area. They demand strict action against those found guilty and are calling for safety measures to be prioritized in future constructions (Extreme Eye News reporter Lin).
However, there are also people who have shown compassion towards the affected families and emphasized the importance of safety in construction projects. They believe that such accidents can be prevented by enforcing stringent regulations and ensuring strict adherence to safety guidelines (Upstream News reporter Zhang Ying).
The incident has led to a wave of sorrow across China, with many offering their condolences to the families of the victims. The government, too, has promised a thorough investigation into the matter and appropriate action against those found responsible for any negligence (via CCTV News).