Fire kills 25 at Chinese state shipyard during repairs
A fire killed 25 people and injured five aboard the Ocean Melody at a Chinese state shipyard.
A fire broke out on the Ocean Melody, a 20-year-old dry bulk carrier, at the Qingdao Beihai shipyard in eastern China at about 11:15am local time. The ship was being repaired and checked when the fire started.
Of the 42 people on board, 12 got to safety. Five were taken to the hospital with injuries.
The fire was put out by early afternoon. The Qingdao Beihai shipyard is run by China State Shipbuilding Corporation.
It is one of the world's biggest shipbuilders. Chinese President Xi Jinping called for more search and rescue work.
He also called for a quick investigation and for those responsible to answer for what happened.
- 25
- Deaths
- 20 years old
- Ship age
- 42
- People on board
- 5
- Injured hospitalised
Why it mattersThe incident raises questions about safety rules at large industrial sites. It also raises questions about how China handles workplace disasters.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, though Australians involved in shipping or trade with Chinese ports may face disruptions if the shipyard suspends operations during investigation.
Corroborated bythenightly.com.au·perthnow.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 d ago
