Suicidal man named as suspect in deadly China bus fire
This picture taken on June 7, 2013 shows investigators at the scene of a bus that caught fire on the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) elevated road in the city of Xiamen, China’s southeast Fujian province. A fire that engulfed a commuter bus in minutes during rush hour in the Chinese city of Xiamen, killing 47 and injuring dozens more, appears to have been deliberately set, state media quoted investigators as saying on June 8.
Chinese state media are reporting that a suicidal man caused the deadly bus fire that killed 47 people in the coastal city of Xiamen.
State television said Xiamen resident Chen Shuizong was suspected of starting the fire on purpose because he was "unhappy and pessimistic".
"Chen Shuizong felt his life was not as he wished it and he was profoundly pessimistic, so he gave vent to his anger by setting the fire," the news agency added in a brief report.
Chen also died in the fire and a suicide note was found at his home, the report said.
The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) vehicle erupted into flames around 6:30 p.m. local time Friday, also injuring about 33 people.
Witnesses reported smelling gasoline just before the fire, even though the bus used diesel as fuel.
Ministry of Public Security said the fire was not an accident and called it a "serious criminal case".
"According to on-site checks and findings by relevant experts and the local police, the bus’s tires and fuel tank were in complete form when the fire took place," state news agency Xinhua reported, citing a statement from the local government of Xiamen.
"Therefore, it can be ruled out that it’s a safety accident. Initial findings conclude that it is a serious criminal case."
Xinhua said on Saturday that DNA evidence was found showing that Chen was the key suspect in the fire, citing a statement from the local government.
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