CCTV fire caused by illegal fireworks

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-11-2009 09:03

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China Central Television apologized on Tuesday for the massive fire that engulfed part of its new headquarters in eastern Beijing. Monday night's blaze resulted in the death of a firefighter and injured seven other people.

The photo taken on Feb. 9, 2009 shows the ablaze  north wing building of the new CCTV (China Central  Television) headquarters in Beijing, capital of  China. A fire broke out on Monday night at the  building, namely Mandarin Oriental Hotel, which  is about hundreds of meters away from the new  CCTV main tower in east Beijing. (Xinhua/Li Wen)

The fire broke out at about 8:30 on Monday evening. Over 50 fire engines and some 600 firefighters were dispatched to fight the blaze. Party Secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee Liu Qi and Party publicity chief Liu Yunshan, arrived at the scene shortly after the fire started. The fire was put out at 2:00 on Tuesday morning. The main structure of the building was not seriously affected.

Initial investigations show the fire was caused by illegal powerful fireworks set off in the open space southwest of the building. The cultural center of the CCTV complex was still under construction. The case is under police investigation.

Editor:Liu Anqi