Shanghai to prosecute 24 over high rise blaze

SHANGHAI: Twenty four people will soon go on trial for their roles in a blaze that engulfed a Shanghai residential high rise last year, killing 58, Chinese state media said on Tuesday, citing prosecutors.

Those facing charges include officials suspected of abusing their positions, including former directors of district construction and transport commissions, their subordinates and building company executives, the Shanghai Daily said.

It did not say when the trial would take place or name the individuals.

The November 15 fire raised questions about the allegedly close relations between the contractors and authorities in the district where the building was located, fuelling suspicions of corruption and negligence.