Photo: CFP

Four people were killed in a structural collapse during a demolition project in Dalian, Northeast China’s Liaoning Province, on February 20. A total of 16 suspects involved in the accident have been taken coercive measures, Dalian authorities said on Tuesday.

The accident happened at 5 pm on February 20 during the demolition project of Dalian international convention and exhibition center, said the authorities.

The Dalian local authorities have set up an investigation team immediately after receiving a report related to the accident on February 22, vowing to conduct a thorough investigation, proper handling of aftermath and comprehensive inspection of similar hidden risks.

The investigation team currently is collecting evidence and will hold responsible units and individuals accountable in line with the law and regulations. Dalian has also launched a city-wide special inspection and rectification action on safety hazards in major construction projects and key engineering projects as a precautionary measure, said the authorities.

China’s Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development on Monday announced a notice of accident investigation and supervision, demanding the Liaoning provincial housing and urban-rural development authorities to issue accident notices in public, and deeply learn lessons from the accident, comprehensively investigate risks and hidden dangers.

The administrative penalties such as temporary suspension or revocation of safety production permits, shall be imposed on responsible enterprises and individuals, based on the law and regulations. The information on the penalties for this accident shall be uploaded to the national engineering quality and safety supervision information platform before May 23, 2024, said the ministry.