Experts Begin Investigation into the Cause of Building Collapse in Shanghai

A group of experts has begun an investigation into the cause of collapse of an under-construction residential building in Shanghai.

Meanwhile, home buyers have started to withdraw their purchasing orders and are demanding the developer of the building refund their investment. Xu Weiyi has the details.

Reporter:

Investigators are examining the construction materials used to build the 13-storey apartment block which collapsed on Saturday. They are taking samples of concrete and steel bars for laboratory analysis. They expect to determine the cause of the unusual collapse soon.

Meanwhile, hundreds of home buyers have flocked to the house developer's reception office, demanding refunds for their investment and compensation for their mortgage.

"We surely have some concerns. I wonder whether or not I should pay for the mortgage next month."

"The bank said they have not worked out a plan to deal with the issue. But I think home buyers have only two choices. One is to withdraw our purchasing orders. Otherwise, we have to hand over to the bank our monthly payments for the mortgage."

It is reported that the majority of the home buyers have taken out a mortgage. They have bought nearly 500 apartments in the Lotus Riverside community in Minhang District, where Saturday's collapse occurred.

In view of the home buyers' concerns, local authorities say they have taken preventative measures.

Chen Zhiqiang is a spokesman for the government of Minhang District, Shanghai Municipality.

"We have put the money of the property developer under control. So the investment of home buyers is safe. We promise that we will take the interests of home buyers into full consideration when handling the incident. We will never harm their legitimate rights and interests."

District authorities say they have already kept a vigilant eye on the property developer and construction contractor.

The collapse of the block resulted in the death of a worker. Three others escaped when the accident occurred early on Saturday morning.

Xu Weiyi, CRI News.