Xi Jinping issued important instructions on the fire incident of a cargo ship at Beihai Shipyard in Qingdao, Shandong

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, September 10 — At around 11:15 a.m. on September 10, a foreign cargo ship caught fire while docked for repairs at Beihai Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. in Qingdao, Shandong Province, causing heavy casualties.

After the accident occurred, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese President, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, attached great importance to it and issued important instructions, pointing out that a fire on a cargo ship at Qingdao Beihai Shipyard in Shandong resulted in heavy casualties. It is necessary to spare no effort in searching for and rescuing missing personnel, properly handle post-accident affairs and comfort the bereaved families, as well as promptly ascertain the cause of the accident and strictly hold those responsible accountable in accordance with the law.

Xi Jinping stressed that all regions and relevant departments must draw deep lessons, thoroughly inspect and rectify all types of fire hazards, strictly and meticulously implement preventive measures, resolutely curb the occurrence of major and catastrophic accidents, and effectively safeguard the safety of people's lives and property.

Li Qiang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Premier of the State Council, gave instructions pointing out that efforts must be made to search for and rescue trapped personnel, go all out to treat the injured, handle post-accident affairs properly, and strictly prevent secondary disasters. The State Council Work Safety Committee should draw lessons from this incident, further enforce work safety responsibilities across all regions and sectors, thoroughly inspect and rectify risks and hazards, and resolutely prevent major and catastrophic accidents.

In accordance with Xi Jinping's important instructions and Li Qiang's requirements, the Ministry of Emergency Management has dispatched a working group to the scene to guide response efforts. Shandong Province has organized forces to make every effort in handling the scene and related work. At present, all tasks are underway.