CNS -- Six students of Northeastern University in Liaoning Province were drowned after falling into an industrial flotation tank during a study visit in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, according to local emergency authorities Wednesday.
At approximately 10:20 a.m. on that day, the six students were visiting a mining plant operated by China National Gold Group Corporation, or China Gold, in Inner Mongolia. While they were observing the flotation process, a grating collapsed, causing them to fall into the flotation cell below.
Rescue efforts were launched immediately, but all six students were confirmed deceased after being retrieved from the cell. One accompanying teacher was injured in the incident.
According to reports, a student majoring in mineral processing at the university said that the victims were juniors, adding that similar internships are routinely arranged during the second, third, and fourth years of study.
The student had previously visited the same plant, and recalled that aside from maintenance work, staff members are rarely seen near the machinery.
The student raised concerns about the safety of the site, saying that the grating platform might not have been able to support their combined weight if seven people all stood on it.
Local authorities, Northeastern University, and China National Gold Group Corporation are currently handling follow-up arrangements and investigations.
(By Gong Weiwei)
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