Two enterprises in China’s Jiangxi province have been ordered to pay substantial penalties totaling 23 million yuan (approximately $3.3 million) for their responsibility in a catastrophic fire incident that resulted in numerous fatalities and significant economic damage. The Jiangxi Provincial Department of Emergency Management formally announced the sanctions through official notices published on Monday.
Xinyu Ningshuang Refrigeration Equipment Company received a 12 million yuan fine, while Xinyu Boyi Education Consulting was penalized 11 million yuan for their respective roles in the tragedy that unfolded in the Jialeyuan community of Yushui district.
The devastating blaze erupted at 3:22 PM on January 24, 2024, within a mixed-use commercial and residential building, ultimately claiming 39 lives and leaving nine individuals injured. The incident caused direct economic losses estimated at 43.53 million yuan.
According to an official investigation report endorsed by China’s State Council, the disaster resulted from multiple systemic failures. These included unauthorized modifications to the building’s intended use, problematic construction practices, operational violations, inherent fire safety deficiencies, and inadequate oversight by local regulatory bodies.
The penalty documentation revealed that Ningshuang Refrigeration Equipment operated without mandatory professional certifications or proper safety management protocols. The company had illegally constructed a cold storage facility in the building’s basement while neglecting essential safety measures. Notably, the firm failed to conduct technical safety briefings, implement appropriate fire prevention protocols, or address static electricity risks associated with plastic film installation activities.
Separate findings determined that Xinyu Boyi Education Consulting had exceeded its licensed business scope and operated within premises that violated fundamental fire safety requirements.
Authorities confirmed that additional legal accountability measures against responsible parties are currently underway, signaling continued judicial proceedings related to this tragic incident.