Two schools collapse in SW China earth quake, buries at least 200 people

Source: Xinhua | 05-13-2008 11:12

MIANZHU, Sichuan, May 13 (Xinhua) -- At least 200 people were buried, most of whom children, at two schools affiliated to a steam turbine factory in Hanwang Township, after a strong earthquake measuring 7.8 degrees on Richter Scale hits Wenchuan County in southwest China's Sichuan province Monday.

More than 800 army men have rushed for rescuing in Hanwang township, 30 kilometers to the epicenter Wenchuan.

Peng Jia, an official with the steam turbine factory, told Xinhua that the two schools, one middle school and one polytechnical school, have more than 1,000 students, and at least 200 people, most of them teenage students, were buried.

Tian Chenchen, a 18-year-old student who escaped from the disaster, recalled that they were divided into two groups, each with a dozen of students, when the quake occurred.

Tian strived to run to open place and while his classmates were at the fourth floor. He didn't see them ever since.

Editor:Zhang Ning