Arrests made in Harbin over residential building damage
Authorities have taken action in the case of a 31-story residential building in northeast China that suffered significant damage due to a renovation project.
Four people responsible in the project have been detained for removing a load-bearing wall without appropriate safety measures.
The incident happened in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province caused varying degrees of cracking on walls of floors 4 to 21 of the building, and over 200 households were evacuated.
The load-bearing wall is smashed.
Investigation teams and emergency response protocols have been established, and support services are being provided to affected residents, local government told China Central Television yesterday.
"The affected residents have been relocated, and we have set up working groups to provide support services and answer residents' questions." They added.
Compensations have begun for over 240 households affected.
"The authorities are now focusing on compensation and determining appropriate prices," Local residents told thepaper.cn on May 2. They have reported significant losses due to the incident, with over 240 households estimated to have suffered a total loss of approximately 168 million yuan (US$24.27 million).
This image shows a crack in a wall located in a room belonging to one of the affected residents due to the removal of the load-bearing wall.
National and provincial-level institutions have launched investigations to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents.
Based on their recommendations, emergency support measures have been taken to prevent any further damage to the building's structural components.
