Aftermath being dealt with over NE China hospital fire
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-12-17 20:40

Most patients who were seriously injured in the hospital fire in the northeast China city on Thursday are now in stable condition and aftermath is being dealt with over the accident, said Zhao Zhenqi, secretary of the Liaoyuan city committee of CPC.

Most of the 39 victims killed in the fire have been identified and DNA tests are underway on other remains.

Initial investigation shows the fire accident was due to malpractice of an electrician, who has been detained by police, Zhao said Saturday.

More than 230 civil servants have been dispatched to deal with aftermath of the disaster, according to Zhao, revealing that a compensation scheme has already been made.

The fire happened around 4:30 Thursday afternoon at the four-storied buildings of the largest hospital of Liaoyuan city, about 120 km southwest of the provincial capital of Changchun, claiming 39 lives.