International Law

CCTV Fire - Theory 1

By Stan

I’m sure there will be lots of theories to play around with in the months to come. This one is the first, from an internal investigation:

CCTV held a high-level meeting on February 13 to review the findings from its preliminary investigation of the fire that burnt its high-rise tower on February 9.

The TV station’s report found that the fire was limited to the insulation under the titanium alloy, damaging only the surface of the high-rise.

The insulation was made out of a new energy-saving insulation material recommended by state authorities. The substance is highly flammable, and also caused a fire at the Peking University Gymnasium. The report pointed out that state authorities will reassess whether this new material is safe to use.

The report did not mention whether the fire fighters were properly equipped or whether the insulation material met quality standards.

A Chinese architecture expert, however, doubted some details in the report, saying, “It is unbelievable that the equipment inside is unharmed.”

I think I’ll go along with that architecture expert. No way they’re going to rebuild a 5-star hotel out of that burned-out husk. What a marketing challenge that would be for Mandarin Oriental, hmm? Speaking of Mandarin Oriental, I haven’t heard of any lawsuits yet, but I’m patient. I can wait.

Full post as published by China Hearsay on February 17, 2009 (boomark / email).