The explosions in Shijiazhuang, capital city of Hebei Province on March 16, which killed 108 people and injured 38, were criminal acts, according to the findings of preliminary investigations by the public security department.
The explosion sites have been cleared up and further investigation is underway.
The central, provincial and local governments have shown great concern about the explosions that occurred early Friday morning, and have mobilized armed police and officers and men of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) for the rescue work.
Under instructions from the central leadership, the Hebei Provincial Committee of the Chinese Communist Party and Hebei Provincial Government have called for doing everything possible to treat the injured. Doctors from local hospitals and the hospitals of the PLA units stationed in Shijiazhuang, along with experts from Beijing, are contributing their services and expertise.
Relevant departments of the province and city have offered sympathy to the families and relatives of those killed and injured, and made proper arrangements for their daily lives.
(Xinhua 03/18/2001)
