July 28, 2008
On July 27th, the still-unfinished landmark building called The Olympic Center caught fire where it was being constructed in Jinan, the capital of Shandong Province. Today’s Life Daily, a Jinan-based newspaper, printed a photo of the fire on the front page showing think clouds of smoke emanating from the building. This fire comes just four days after the Olympic flame graced the city with its presence.
It is believed the fire broke out around 5 o’clock Sunday afternoon when welding sparks fell onto unprotected mineral wool used as insulation in the walls. The fire lasted about five hours before it was finally put out. At the time the newspaper went to press, there had been no reports of injuries or fatalities caused by the fire.
The Olympic Center was designed by CCDI, the institution which also participated in the design of the Olympic Aquatics Center known as ‘the Water Cube’ in Beijing. It was scheduled to be completed in October this year. The authorities say the fire will not delay the completion of the building.
Despite its name, the sports venue will not play a part in this year’s Olympic Games; it will be used to host basketball games in next year’s National Games.
- Beijing News via Sina.com: Welding spark set Olympic Center ablaze