The photo shows the dormitory where the fire occurred at Yingcai School in Yanshanpu Village, Fangcheng County, Nanyang City of Central China's Henan Province, taken on January 20, 2024. Photo: Xinhua

Central China's Henan Province on Wednesday released the investigation report on the major fire accident at Yingcai School in Fangcheng County, which killed 13 students in January 2024. According to Xinhua News Agency, the investigation concluded that the incident was caused by a primary school student who ignited clothing, bedding and other items while using a lighter. Some 25 responsible individuals have been imposed severe punishments.

According to the investigation, the primary school student used the lighter to ignite clothing, bedding and other items while in the dormitory, leading to a rapid spread of the fire and resulting in a major blaze. 

Relevant authorities told media that disciplinary inspection and supervision bodies in Henan Province, in accordance with regulations and discipline and in compliance with the law, have imposed severe punishments on 25 responsible individuals for dereliction of duty and inadequate supervision, per the Xinhua report.

At around 11:00 pm on January 19, 2024, a fire broke out in a dormitory at Yingcai School in the Fangcheng County in Nanyang city, killing 13 people and injuring four others. 

After the incident, the Henan provincial government took the lead in establishing a fire accident investigation team, which conducted an in-depth investigation into the cause of the fire through on-site inspections, inquiries, testing and appraisal, video analysis and simulation experiments. 

The investigation team also determined the nature of the accident and responsibility, and put forward recommendations on the handling of relevant responsible persons and units, as well as measures to strengthen accident prevention.

The case involving the school officials surnamed Li, Xu and Jia, who are suspected of the crime of causing a major safety accident at educational facilities, will be heard in court in the near future, Xinhua reported.

Global Times