The Work Safety Committee of the State Council has decided to directly oversee the investigation of a chemical plant explosion that killed 13 and injured 35 others in Panjin, Liaoning province, according to a media release from the Ministry of Emergency Management on Friday.The blast occurred while workers were doing maintenance at an alkylation facility at Panjin Haoye Chemical on Jan 15.On Jan 19, the committee ordered Liaoning authorities to determine the cause of the explosion and identify those responsible as soon as possible. The provincial government should submit an investigation report to the committee for review and approval before making it public, the committee said.The committee's office is based in the ministry.The blast, which happened as the Spring Festival holiday approached, has had a significantly negative impact on society and has taught the nation a sobering lesson, the Friday release said.The festival - China's most important occasion, during which hundreds of millions typically return to their hometowns for family reunions - began on Jan 22.The release noted a series of problems that have been uncovered in the ongoing investigation. For example, to ensure profits, the company's leaders neglected safety management and failed to reconcile hazards for an extended period of time, it said.
It would be really interesting to know which incidents attracted the most government attention and why in China. I can't imagine this incident is too much different than incidents in the past - I'll have to pay attention to this more...