Investigators say deadly fire at east China food company a "workplace safety liability accident"

Xinhua
10 Apr 2026, 07:15 GMT+10

FUZHOU, April 10 (Xinhua) -- An investigation into a deadly fire at a food company's construction site in the city of Sanming, east China's Fujian Province, has identified the incident as "a major workplace safety liability accident," provincial emergency response authorities said on Thursday.

The fire at a cold-chain facility project under construction inside the food company, brand-named Mingyou, broke out on March 31, 2025, leaving five dead and six injured. It caused nearly 21.16 million yuan (about 3.08 million U.S. dollars) in direct economic losses.

The investigation report found that the primary causes included the company's failure to obtain proper construction permits for decoration and renovation work according to laws and regulations, and its use of insulation materials that did not meet required fire safety standards. Meanwhile, the company was found to have relocated and cut short smoke exhaust ducts, while also dismantling firefighting facilities without authorization. Additionally, initial fire response efforts were deemed ineffective.

The investigation also pointed to inadequate safety supervision by relevant local government departments.

The investigation task force has recommended that five individuals, including the person in charge of the smoke exhaust ducts, be transferred to judicial organs. Disciplinary actions have also been proposed against 10 public officers. Meanwhile, administrative penalties shall be imposed on the company, as well as its chairman and president, respectively, according to the report.

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