Fire at northeastern China nursing home kills 11 residents; report says arson suspected

BEIJING, China – An angry resident set fire to a nursing home in northeastern China early Friday, killing 11 elderly residents, local authorities said.

The Hailun city government said the blaze was set early Friday in the home’s hospice wing by a 45-year-old man who had been sent there three years ago after suffering from thrombosis, and who has no income and no one to care for him.

It said the man, Wang Gui, had argued Thursday with another resident he suspected of stealing 200 yuan ($33) from him, screaming at staff and smashing windows.

Staff thought that they’d calmed him down, but he grew agitated again later in the evening before setting the fire. Two staff members were hospitalized for smoke inhalation following the blaze.

A statement from the city government posted online said 32 seniors were registered in the hospice wing. It said 283 seniors live in the home and most are retired farmers.

Hailun is in Heilongjiang province about 650 kilometres (400 miles) northeast of Beijing. The area is one of China’s main grain-producing regions.

With a rapidly aging population and under-resourced social security net, China faces increasing pressure to provide safe and affordable care for the elderly.