Business Standard

Arsonist among the 47 dead in China bus fire

Image

Press Trust of India Beijing
The suspect in a deadly bus fire that killed 47 people and injured 34 others in China's southeastern city was an angry and deeply disgruntled man who planned the arson to vent personal grievances.

Chen Shuizong (59), a native of Xiamen city, allegedly set ablaze the bus to "vent personal grievances", state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Chen was identified as the arsonist of the fire, the information office of the city government said in a statement.

The statement said that an investigation and DNA evidence found that Chen was the suspect.

Xiamen police found a note in the suspect's house, which revealed that Chen was "unhappy and pessimistic about his life", and planned the arson to vent personal grievances.
 

Investigators made breakthrough after finding that gasoline was used as combustion agent to ignite the bus where as the fuel tank of the bus which runs on the diesel was found intact along with the tyres.

All this suggest it is a arson attack and serious criminal case, an official said adding that the man was identified with the help of survivors who reported that they smelt gasoline followed by an explosion.

In cases like this Chinese officials release few details about those who indulged in such acts to prevent copycat attacks.

Other than his name and year of birth, no details were provided nor the content of his letter was made public.

The revelation that it was an arson attack sent shock waves in China.

Don't miss the most important news and views of the day. Get them on our Telegram channel

First Published: Jun 08 2013 | 8:20 PM IST

Explore News