Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered local authorities and the police to expedite the probe into the scaffolding accident at a power plant in Jiangxi province which killed more than 70 people Thursday morning.

The accident, which is the worst work-safety accident to happen in the country in over two years, led to the deaths of dozens of construction workers and injured three others, prompting President Xi to order the immediate investigation of all individuals involved in running the construction site.

Like Us on Facebook

Xinhua reported that the accident was caused by the collapse of a scaffolding being used by the workers for a cooling tower under construction in Fengcheng, east of the Jiangxi province.

Probe

Of the 75 people working at the construction, around 73 died and two sustained injuries as of 8 a.m. Thursday, according to China's Work Safety Administration.

President Xi called for an immediate investigation into the accident and told local authorities not to leave any stone unturned during the probe.

Negligent

The president warned that all those found negligent in running the construction site will be held accountable and will face possible imprisonment.

Around 500 rescue workers including the military and the police have joined in digging through the thick piles of debris strewn across the floor of the large, high concrete cooling tower looking for survivors.

Xi noted the rising incidence of work safety accidents saying local governments should learn from these unfortunate accidents and make sure that any potential risks at construction sites are addressed to prevent deaths and injuries among workers.

Tagsindustrial site accident, President Xi Jinping, Jiangxi Province, investigation, china