CNN —At least ten people are dead and one still trapped following the collapse of a middle school gymnasium roof in China’s northeastern city of Qiqihar Sunday afternoon, Chinese state media CCTV reported.
Four escaped and fifteen were trapped at the time, according to the municipal search and rescue headquarters.
A preliminary investigation suggests the collapse may have been caused by misplaced construction material called perlite that was left on the gym roof during construction work on an adjacent building.
The material gained weight after being soaked in water brought by rainfall and led to the collapse, according to the preliminary investigation.
Safety incidents are not uncommon in China and the accident follows a string of tragedies that have been linked to lax safety standards in recent months.
Persons:
Xi Jinping
Organizations:
CNN, Beijing
Locations:
Qiqihar, China, Mongolia