10 dead, 1 trapped after gymnasium roof collapses in China – NDTV

Latest World News: 10 dead, 1 trapped after gymnasium roof collapses in China – NDTV

The Qiqihar Gymnasium in Heilongjiang Province collapsed just before 3 p.m. (Representative)

Beijing, China:

Ten people died and one was trapped after the roof of a school gymnasium collapsed in northeast China, state media reported on Monday.

The gymnasium at No. 34 Middle School in Qiqihar, Heilongjiang province, collapsed just before 3:00 p.m. (0700 GMT) on Sunday, the official Xinhua news agency said.

As of 5:30 a.m. Monday, 14 people had been extracted from the wreckage, state broadcaster CCTV said, “of which four were extracted without vital signs and six died after treatment failed.”

Footage released by CCTV showed the entire roof had collapsed onto the gymnasium and rescuers were picking up the debris.

“A search and rescue operation involving nearly 160 firefighters and 39 fire trucks has been launched,” CCTV said.

An initial investigation into the collapse found that construction workers had placed perlite – a form of volcanic glass – on the roof, Xinhua said.

Heavy rain then caused the perlite to expand, causing the roof to collapse, he added.

“The officials of the construction company have been taken into custody,” the official news agency reported.

Industrial accidents are common in China due to lax safety standards and poor enforcement.

One of the worst such accidents took place in 2015 in Tianjin, where a huge explosion in a chemical warehouse killed at least 165 people.

(Except for the title, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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In 2023, the world witnessed a myriad of events that left a lasting impact on global affairs. From political developments and economic shifts to environmental challenges and breakthroughs in science and technology, the year was marked by significant changes and a sense of urgency for collective action. Here’s an overview of some of the latest world news in 2023.

Political Unrest and Diplomatic Strides:
In the political arena, several regions experienced unrest and geopolitical tensions. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to dominate headlines, with efforts towards peace and stability remaining elusive. However, there were also moments of diplomatic breakthroughs as nations engaged in dialogues to ease tensions and work towards lasting solutions.

Economic Transformations:
The global economy faced both challenges and opportunities. Trade disputes between major powers affected markets, while some countries grappled with debt crises. On the other hand, emerging economies showed resilience and promising growth, fueling optimism for a more balanced global economic landscape.

Technological Advancements:
Innovation surged forward in the tech industry, with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration. Quantum computing achieved milestones, promising radical transformations across industries. Renewable energy sources gained traction, with many countries setting ambitious goals to combat climate change.

Climate Crisis and Environmental Resilience:
As the climate crisis intensified, extreme weather events wreaked havoc in various parts of the world. Wildfires, hurricanes, and floods reminded humanity of the urgent need for climate action. In response, governments and communities across the globe doubled down on efforts to reduce carbon emissions, invest in sustainable infrastructure, and protect biodiversity.

Health and Pandemic Management:
Health remained a global priority as countries continued to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. With the emergence of new variants, vaccination efforts and public health measures remained crucial to curbing the spread of the virus. There were also significant advancements in medical research and technology, offering hope for better preparedness in handling future health crises.

Sports and Cultural Milestones:
Amidst the challenges, the world found moments of joy and unity through sports and culture. International sporting events brought together athletes from diverse backgrounds, promoting solidarity and camaraderie. Cultural exchanges and celebrations showcased the richness of human diversity and fostered mutual understanding.

In conclusion, the year 2023 was a dynamic period filled with significant events that shaped the course of history. From political unrest to technological advancements and environmental challenges, the world witnessed the complexities of the global landscape. While obstacles remained, there were also encouraging developments and collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all nations. As we move forward, the lessons learned from these events serve as a reminder of the importance of collective action and cooperation to address shared global challenges.