12 detained after hospital fire leaves 29 dead in Beijing

The death toll from a hospital fire in Beijing has risen to 29, according to a press conference held by the Information Office of Beijing Municipality on Wednesday.

Twelve people, including the hospital chief, have been detained in connection with the fire, said Sun Haitao, an official from Beijing’s public security bureau, adding that further investigation is underway.

“Twenty-six of those who died were hospital patients,” said Li Zongrong, deputy head of Fengtai District, adding that the others included a family member of a patient and two medical workers.

The fire at the Beijing Changfeng Hospital in Fengtai District broke out at 12:57 p.m. on Tuesday. Rescue work was completed by 3:30 p.m., with a total of 142 people, including patients and medical workers, being evacuated and transferred.

Thirty-nine people are still being treated for injuries from the fire.

A preliminary investigation showed that the fire was caused by flammable painting materials, which were ignited by sparks produced during the renovation of the inpatient department, said Zhao Yang, an official from the city’s fire and rescue department. (CGTN)