Latest News:  
Beijing   Light to moderate rain/Light rain    13 / 8 ℃  City Forecast

English>>China Society

Death of five street boys is man-made tragedy

(People's Daily Online)

15:06, November 21, 2012

An avoidable tragedy happened in Bijie, Guizhou province on the morning of Nov. 16 when the bodies of five children about 10 years old were found in a trash container in the city proper. Preliminary investigations showed that the five boys had died of carbon monoxide poisoning after apparently burning charcoal inside the trash container to keep warm.

The boys climbed inside the trash container to escape the cold, but unfortunately died in it. At the age of 10, they should have been taken good care of at homes and lived a carefree life. However, they died on the streets, suffering from hunger and cold. They should have received compulsory education, but they were far away from both their homes and schools. Who should be responsible for the tragic death of these abandoned children?

The overnight low temperature in Bijie was 7 degrees Celsius. That night was not very cold, so it was actually a man-made rather than natural tragedy. A witness said that the children used to live in a shack built from plastic tarpaulin, cement bricks, and thin boards at a demolition and construction site. If the local police or aid center found the problem in a timely fashion and took quick measures, the tragedy could have been avoided. If local residents or public welfare organizations extended a helping hand, the tragedy may not have happened in the first place. However, there are no ifs, and the tragedy eventually happened.

【1】 【2】 【3】



Source:Beijing Times, author:Wei Yingjie.

We Recommend:

Cheongsam inspired by women's secret language

Outrage as little girls don bikinis at auto show

Body painting show attracts public's view

Sexy models and fancy cars rock auto show

'Gangnam style' life of young rich in China

Top 18 spectacular landscapes around world

91 Siberian tiger cubs born in Harbin

What are 20 richest cities in China

Pets cultural festival kicks off in Hangzhou

Email|Print|Comments(Editor:黄瑾、马茜)

Leave your comment0 comments

  1. Name

  

Selections for you


  1. China's stealth fighter concept model

  2. PLA Macao Garrison finishes 13th rotation

  3. Unforgettable moments in Nov. (III)

  4. Flight test of unmanned aircrafts conducted

  5. First inter-blood-type liver transplant in China

  6. Harbin Autumn Automobile Exhibition

  7. Embroider best wishes on insoles in Shanxi

  8. Thanksgiving Day Fun

Most Popular

Opinions

  1. Commentary: Hot money needs cooling
  2. Smart solutions for better city, better life
  3. China remains an 'engine' in global economy
  4. M&A of listed companies gaining steam
  5. Is 'culture' inferior to 'commercialization'?
  6. Chinese liquor makers "sober up" over bans
  7. Strength of Chinese culture lies in understanding
  8. Securing China's e-commerce growth
  9. Hammered ore prices threaten Chinese iron miners
  10. CNN Beijing chief: China's challenges, opportunities

What’s happening in China

Landmark building should respect the public's feeling

  1. Herders, sheep flock move to winter pasture
  2. First inter-blood-type liver transplant in China
  3. HIV patient to sue hospital over cancer op refusal
  4. Test in intelligent vehicle for food detection
  5. Smart card, dumb refund rules