Tower block fire in Shanghai (1 Viewer)

grim72

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A fire has broken out in a 28 storey apartment block in Shanghai, killing at least eight people.

It is believed to have started in construction scaffolding surrounding the building.

Amateur footage shows the building in flames, sending plumes of smoke across the city.

BBC News - Tower block fire kills eight in Shanghai
 
At least 79 people have now died following a fire at a high-rise block in Shanghai.

The blaze, which broke out at a 28-storey apartment block on Monday, has also left a further 70 people injured - 17 of them critically.

At least 36 people are also still missing, according to official state media.

China's State Council has now ordered a complete overhaul of fire safety measures and fire safety inspections of all construction sites.

The tower in Shanghai's Jingan business district was being renovated when the fire broke out.

Panicked residents were seen attempting dangerous jumps to safety, or clambering out onto rickety bamboo scaffolding surrounding the building.

Nylon nets wrapped around the scaffolding have been blamed for helping the flames to take hold quickly.

Police have now said sparks from welding work could have triggered the blaze.

Eight people are currently being held in connection with the fire, according to Shanghai's deputy police chief, Cheng Jiulong, but they have not been formally identified.he Oriental Morning Post reported that the head of the state-owned construction company was among those being held.

Shanghai TV said on Monday more than 80 fire engines were called to battle the blaze.

Images posted on the internet showed the entire building engulfed and smoke rising over the city skyline.

Renovations in Shanghai have suddenly picked up after authorities lifted a temporary ban on major construction during the six-month World Expo in the city.

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Source: Sky News
 
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