Beijing police have detained twelve people over Monday night’s (Feb 11) massive fire at the unfinished headquarters of China Central Television (CCTV) which resulted in the death of a firefighter and seven other injuries.
The building is part of the iconic CCTV tower complex and is to house CCTV’s cultural centre and the then nearly completed Mandarin Oriental Hotel.
Initial investigations suggested that the fire was caused by illegal fireworks by CCTV. Fireworks are generally allowed at the traditional Lantern Festival, the last day of Chinese New Year; but the fireworks that caught the fire was dangerous and needed approval (which CCTV didn’t get) before being allowed in downtown Beijing.