CRI听力:Shanghai Stampede Kills 36, Injures 49

Shanghai authorities confirmed that by this Friday, the number of injured in the stampede has risen to 49, with 31 still remain in hospital.

Wu Jinglei is from the Municipal Commission of Health and family planning.

"13 have suffered serious injuries, with some still in severe condition. 18 others have minor wounds. Among the 31 people, 7 are males and 24 are females. We have identified all of them, and got in touch with relatives or friends of 28 patients."

Among the 36 people killed, most are in their 20s and the youngest victim is a 12-year-old boy.

The city government has opened two hotlines for families of the injured and deceased, many of whom still do not know what has happened to their relatives.

There was initially speculation that the stampede was triggered when some people started to throw coupons resembling U.S. banknotes to revelers outside a bar.

However, Shanghai police say the coupons had nothing to do with the stampede as surveillance video shows they were thrown after the accident.

The police did confirm that they did not have a strong presence in the area where the stampede happened.

The tragedy occurred just before midnight at Chen Yi square near the Bund area, the city's famous waterfront.

The Bund, a stretch of riverbank on the west side of the Huangpu River in Shanghai, is a popular destination for New Year celebrations, with its historic architecture and skyscrapers displaying dazzling light shows at night.

The nearest subway station to the Bund has been closed following the accident, but many residents and tourists still managed to visit Chen Yi Square, bringing flowers to mourn the victims.
38 years old Shanghai local Tang Lifeng is one of them.

"There was not enough policing and planning. It is really sad to see a stampede happen in a big city like Shanghai. I hope the tragedy will not repeat in the future."

Some safety experts also voiced that the lack of awareness over safety risks behind public gatherings and loose control at the scene contributed to the tragedy.

They are calling on local authorities to prepare contingency plans and simulated exercises for such occasions including the arrangement of police, volunteers and supporting measures.

For CRI, I am Wang Mengzhen.