Construction worker mistaken for prey shot dead in Jiangxi

(ECNS) -- A construction worker was shot dead after being mistaken for prey by a hunter in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, local police reported Thursday.

The police station of Honggutan in Nanchang received a report at approximately 1:00 a.m. on July 7, stating that a worker surnamed You had not returned to his dormitory for an extended period after going to the toilet. His coworkers searched the area but failed to locate him, thus requesting assistance.

The police station immediately launched a search and discovered the body of You at around 1:50 a.m. in a field about 800 meters from the dormitory.

Investigation revealed that the victim was accidentally shot by a hunter with an air rifle. On July 6, suspects Qu and Luo drove to an area near the construction site to hunt. Qu mistook You, who was crouching in the field, for prey and shot him, causing fatal injuries.

On July 8, both hunters were lawfully placed in criminal detention. The case is currently under further investigation.

(By Zhang Dongfang)