China punishes 62 officials for building collapse that killed 54

Forty-four college students were among the 54 dead.

Chukwuemeka Ayomide • May 22, 2023

Changsha Building Collapse [Credit; Sixth Tone]

Following the collapse of a building in Changsha, Hunan province, that killed 54 people last month, the Chinese government has punished 62 officials for their alleged violations of discipline and law in the incident, state news agency Xinhua said on Sunday.

Xinhua detailed that several senior city officials were handed severe warnings. The paper also revealed that Changsha’s current mayor, Zheng Jianxin, had been sacked.

According to Xinhua, many officials have been transferred to judicial authorities for flagrant law infractions and alleged workplace crimes.

Several former Changsha officials, including Hu Henghua, the current mayor of Chongqing, and a former mayor of Changsha, also received warnings.

According to state media reports, a “self-built” housing building in Changsha (southern province) collapsed on April 29, killing dozens.

A Chinese government inquiry report into the collapse claimed that unlawful and erroneous building practices were to blame and that local officials had failed to stop such building activities and mitigate the concealed hazards.

Forty-four college students were among the 54 dead.

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