Chinese investigators blame building collapse that killed 54 on shoddy, illegal construction

BEIJING (AP) — A Chinese government report says a building collapse that killed 54 people last year was caused by shoddy, illegal construction and local officials’ failure to enforce standards. At least nine people including the building owner were reported arrested following the April 2022 disaster in Changsha, which trapped survivors under rubble for up to five days. Nine people were injured. The report by investigators appointed by the ruling Communist Party said the collapse of the “self-built” structure was due by “illegal and irregular construction” and additions by residents. It said local authorities were “not serious” about enforcing building rules and “shirked responsibility.”