On July 28, Premier Wen Jiabao answered questions of families whose members were victims in a fatal train accident near Wenzhou on July 23. He also made the following remarks:

As victims' family members, you have suffered from the trauma of losing loved ones. My thoughts are with you, and I am as saddened as you are. We all have parents, spouses, children and other loved ones. No financial settlement can fully make up for the loss of loved ones. Let me take this opportunity to convey my heartfelt condolences.

The problems you have raised come down to three issues:

The first is response, whether response after the accident were effective. Saving lives is the paramount principle of an emergency response. We often say utmost efforts should be made even if chances are slim. Departments concerned were expected to take public opinions, including doubts, into serious consideration. They should tell the public clearly how they acted during rescue operations.

The second issue is investigating the causes of the accident and holding wrongdoers accountable. These efforts are underway. The State Council has established an independent investigation team of members from work safety administration and discipline inspection departments. They will investigate the accident in a careful, scientific and authentic way. They are obliged to be responsible for the people and come to conclusions that can stand the test of history. Based on investigation results and in accordance with laws and regulations, we will punish those responsible for the accident. Assessing responsibilities and punishing those responsible will not only ensure justice for victims but also offer a warning for the future: No matter in development or in construction, safety should always be put at the top of the agenda. We will do better in ensuring safety so those who have lost their lives in accidents can rest in peace.

The third is that you have made several specific demands. For instance, all of you are concerned about compensation. I'd like to speak from the bottom of my heart on this. I felt bad when I heard about disputes over compensation just now because lives cannot be traded for any amount of money. Compensation is a comfort to victims' loved ones. But I know well what they really want is justice. I believe this issue will be settled in a reasonable way. Also, payment is not everything. When they return home, society will continue to show concern for the relatives of the dead if they have difficulties in their lives. Special attention should be given to their well-being to relieve them of their emotional stress. We should see to it that victims' underage children are able to concentrate on studies and their aging parents are taken care of.

Moreover, the treatment of victims' belongings is an important part of our efforts to address the accident's aftermath. Some regard these things as mere objects. I don't think so. Their treatment shows respect for the dead and comforts their loved ones. Every effort should be made to look for recoverable belongings. When recovered, they should be made available for victims' family members. Every piece should be treated with great care. Departments concerned and local governments should keep the people in mind and take the initiative in performing their duties.

I know some of the victims' family members are not here today. You can tell them what I said. The loved ones you lost are also my loved ones. Let me give you another bow to show my condolences. May the deceased rest in peace.