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Ten dead in China after middle school gymnasium roof collapse

24 July 2023 09:17 (UTC +04:00)

At least ten people are dead and one still trapped following the collapse of a middle school gymnasium roof in China’s northeastern city of Qiqihar Sunday afternoon, APA reports citing CNN.

Nineteen people were at the gymnasium when the accident happened. Four escaped and fifteen were trapped at the time, according to the municipal search and rescue headquarters. Initial reports did not specify the ages of the victims.

Rescue efforts are still underway.

A preliminary investigation suggests the collapse may have been caused by misplaced construction material called perlite that was left on the gym roof during construction work on an adjacent building.

The material gained weight after being soaked in water brought by rainfall and led to the collapse, according to the preliminary investigation.

Those in charge of the construction are being held in police custody. Authorities say they are conducting further investigations into the case.