Preliminary investigation by the State Development and Reform Commission (SDRC) shows that inadequate management and poor equipment design are to blame for eight deaths and injuries to 21 others in an accident in an east China foundry.

The accident happened on Nov. 8 in Wuxi Yongqiang Mill Roll Co. in east China's Jiangsu Province. A casting mould designed by the mill was being test used for the first time when seven of the eight bolts attaching the mould cap sheared off. Boiling liquid steel spilled out killing eight people and burning 21 others.

The SDRC said China's work safety record on new projects was unacceptable. It ordered authorities at all levels to enhance work safety in order to avoid such accidents.

(Xinhua News Agency December 8, 2006)