Local reports from China’s Jiangxi province reveal a devastating incident where three individuals lost their lives after powerful wind storms ripped them from their high-rise apartments.
Fatal Incident Details
According to the reports, the tragic event occurred in a waterfront neighborhood in Nanchang, southern China. The victims, a 64-year-old woman, her 11-year-old grandson, and another 60-year-old woman, were asleep around 3 a.m. when intense gales destroyed the outward-facing walls of their rooms, as documented by the Hubei-based outlet Jimu News.
Confirmation and National Attention
Jimu News confirmed the deaths with local emergency authorities. Although state media had not officially acknowledged the specifics of the deaths as of Tuesday morning, national broadcaster CCTV reported four fatalities and over 10 injuries attributed to “strong convective weather” on that day.
The death of the 60-year-old woman garnered significant attention on social media platforms, amassing 300 million views on Weibo by Monday, reflecting the nation’s shock and concern over the incident.
Eyewitness Accounts
Footage from regional media showed the aftermath in the woman’s apartment, including a shattered floor-to-ceiling window and a hole in the apartment facing the cityscape. Her partner, Mr. Wan, recounted waking up due to the storm and discovering the damage, eventually finding his partner’s body outside the building.
The 64-year-old woman and her grandson, Liu and Xu respectively, were on the 20th floor and were swept downstairs with their mattress during the storm, according to Red Star News.
Concerns Over Construction Quality and Developer
The tragedy has led to questions about the construction quality in the neighborhood and the responsibility of the developer. Media outlets have highlighted a former manager at the developer convicted of bribery, raising concerns about potential links between corruption and construction flaws.
Calls for Investigation and Accountability
The incident has sparked public demands for a thorough investigation into the construction standards and accountability for the safety of high-rise buildings. Bloggers and commentators on social media platforms are urging authorities to ensure that homes provide a safe haven, especially during adverse weather conditions.
While discussions continue regarding the association between corruption, construction quality, and the tragic deaths, the incident underscores the critical importance of robust building standards and oversight in ensuring public safety.
