SHANGHAI—On the afternoon of August 14, the partially constructed Shanghai World Financial Center caught on fire. The casualty count is currently unknown. At its scheduled completion in 2008, the Shanghai World Financial Center was supposed to be the tallest building in China, surpassing the Jin Mao Tower.
According to an eyewitness, the building caught fire around 4:35 p.m., and floors above the 40thfloor were shrouded with dark smoke. The fire was fierce, burning debris fell from the building. Many people fled the building in panic.
According to Mr. Deng, a local resident, floors above the 30th floor were engulfed in thick layers of smoke, while the top of the building was also smoking.
Mr. Yuan, another local, said that many passersby looked on and took photos. He explained that normally, no one is allowed to take photos of building under construction. A few months ago, a reporter attempting to photograph the building was severely beaten, Yuan added.
A Shanghai World Financial Center staff member, who requested to remain anonymous, disclosed that the building caught fire around 4:00 p.m. He said the cause of the fire has not been completely verified. As far as he knew, there were no causalities.
The staff refused to disclose details about the severity of the fire, its duration and the damages to the construction. He said, “Our spokesperson is in Tokyo. Please call Tokyo, because all the details about the fire will be released from there.”
