Qiqihar's collapsed stadium has killed 10 people
Qiqihar City was struck with tragedy yesterday when the roof of the thirty-fourth secondary school gymnasium collapsed, leaving four people unharmed and trapping fifteen. After a grueling search and rescue operation that lasted until 5:30 pm, authorities managed to free fourteen victims, four of whom were not in critical condition, while six had passed away despite all efforts to save them. One person remains trapped as of press time.
24 July 2023
The incident has sparked outrage among Weibo users, with many expressing grief and anger over the loss of life. Some have pointed fingers at negligent construction practices, with one user claiming that piles of unattended construction materials on the roof may have contributed to the collapse. Another user highlights how poor communication from authorities has only added to the pain of families who are desperately waiting for news about their loved ones.
Amidst the sorrow and anger, some users have also criticized the local government's perceived indifference and inaction, with one parent questioning why no one informed them about the students' status during the hours following the incident. The situation has left many questioning the safety of schools in China and calling for stronger regulations to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
As rescue efforts continue, the people of Qiqihar City mourn the loss of ten families, with parents and loved ones grieving the young athletes who had just won second place at the Heilongjiang Secondary School Games. The incident highlights the importance of prioritizing safety in construction projects, as well as the need for transparency and effective communication during times of crisis.