Dalian officials punished for gas explosion that killed 8, injured 5

Seven government officials were punished because of a gas explosion that killed eight residents and injured five on Sept 10 in Pulandian district of Dalian, Liaoning province, local authorities said on Monday.

According to a notification, three government institutions -- Dalian's emergency management bureau, housing and urban-rural development bureau, and the government of Pulandian district -- badly lacked regulation and supervision. Seven officials from the above agencies, including the Party chief and the director of the city's emergency management bureau, were discharged from office or suspended.

At about 12 am on Saturday, a liquid gas storage tank at an apartment building leaked and caused an explosion in Pulandian district. The incident killed eight people and injured five others.

According to investigation, a local gas company named Kunma, failed to provide safety measures in the process of gas production and operation which resulted in serious consequences. The company is suspected of a crime for causing a fatal accident.

The company's legal representative and a manager who is in charge of safety production have been detained by the Pulandian branch of Dalian's public security bureau.