This morning, reporters learned from the People’s Courts of Wangcheng District and Ningxiang City in Changsha, Hunan Province, that a public trial judgment has been made regarding the criminal case linked to the devastating collapse of a self-built residence on April 29th. The defendant, Wu Zhiyong, was sentenced to eleven years in prison for causing a major responsibility accident and for provoking trouble. Co-defendants Long Tiankai, Ren Luosheng, and Xue Xianzhong received sentences ranging from six years and six months to six years for their roles in the same crime. Additionally, the company involved, Hunan Xiangda Engineering Testing Co., was fined one million yuan for providing false documentation, while six other defendants, including Tan Hua, received prison terms of four years and nine months to two years and nine months, alongside fines and lifetime bans on their professional activities. Defendant Zhou Zhengmao was sentenced to twelve years for dereliction of duty and bribery, while four others, including Leng Jingke, received sentences ranging from five years and six months to three years and nine months for similar offenses.
The tragic incident on April 29, 2022, saw a self-constructed home in Wangcheng District, owned by Wu Zhiyong, collapse due to illegal construction practices and renovations. This disaster resulted in the loss of 54 lives, left 9 others injured to varying degrees, and caused significant economic damages.
The court found that Wu Zhiyong illegally hired unqualified individuals, including Long Tiankai for design and Ren Luosheng and Xue Xianzhong for construction. They built additional stories on the residence and rented it out for commercial purposes despite knowing there were serious safety hazards. Even when signs of imminent collapse appeared, no emergency evacuation measures were taken, leading to tragic casualties and economic losses. Wu Zhiyong was also found guilty of vandalizing others’ property repeatedly. Hunan Xiangda Engineering Testing Co., along with shareholders Tan Hua, Yang Shuangfu, Ning Tao, and Gong Biao, as well as nominal inspectors Liu Deng and Tang Se, were implicated for supplying false documentation. Other officials, including Zhou Zhengmao, former Deputy District Head, and Leng Jingke, former squad leader of the urban management and comprehensive law enforcement bureau in Wangcheng, were similarly found guilty of neglecting their duties, with Zhou also facing bribery charges.
Based on the facts, circumstances, and consequences of each defendant’s actions, as well as their expressions of remorse, the court reached its sentencing decisions. Throughout the trial, the court ensured the defendants’ rights were respected. Some members of the local people’s congress, political advisory committees, and family members of both the victims and defendants were present to witness the verdict.
