A tragic incident occurred in a luxury high-rise unit at the Yufu Phase II in Shenzhen Bay, resulting in a fatal explosion and the death of a woman. Authorities have requested an autopsy on the deceased to determine the cause of death, but the family has refused, citing concerns about further harm to the deceased.
According to reports from property owners of Yufu Phase II, the deceased was a female resident of unit 29C. The family stated that on December 11th at 2:45 pm, the woman sought help from her family, claiming she was trapped under something. The property management was notified, but they were unable to open the door. In the evening of December 11th, the family received notification to go to the hospital.
On December 14th, it was reported that the family wanted the authorities to issue a certificate of non-liability for the deceased, conduct a memorial service, and proceed with cremation. However, authorities insisted on an autopsy to establish the cause of death. The family viewed the autopsy as a secondary harm to the deceased and refused it, leading to a deadlock situation.
Lawyer Wan Miaoyan, director of the Sichuan Dingchi Law Firm, explained that the certificate of non-liability requested by the family is a death certificate issued by the public security department, determining whether the death was a homicide or suicide. Due to the unnatural death, according to the “Funeral Management Regulations,” the crematorium requires a death certificate issued by the public security authorities along with a cause of death investigation report. Autopsy is usually one of the methods to determine the cause of death, but not all autopsies require dissection to find the cause.
“As a lawyer, I fully understand the family’s refusal of an autopsy. In some cases we handle, there are instances of excessive autopsies, and the photos included in the autopsy report can have a significant psychological impact on the family,” said Wan Miaoyan.
Video footage of the incident showed the woman falling from the building, with the direct cause of death being organ rupture from a fall. However, to further ascertain the cause of death, Wan Miaoyan believes that an autopsy may be necessary.
Wan Miaoyan suggested that the family and the police communicate well or use high-tech methods to fully investigate the cause of death without the need for dissection, laying the foundation for handling the case and holding accountable parties legally.
The cause of the accident remains a focal point, with official reports stating that investigations are ongoing.
Rescue personnel on-site indicated that the fire originated near unit C on the 28th floor of the residential building due to a gas explosion. Floors mainly affected by the fire were from the 27th to the 31st, with units C and adjacent D facing significant impact from the explosion.
Residents of Yufu Phase II mentioned that the resident of unit 28B had reported smelling gas to the authorities the day before and on the day of the incident, seeking assistance. Gas company personnel conducted inspections but did not find any issues.
Yufu Phase II was developed by China Resources Land Limited, managed by China Resources Property Management Limited, with gas supply provided by Shenzhen Gas.
Regarding the entities responsible for the incident, it has been speculated that responsibilities may lie with the gas company, developer, property management, and property owners. Specific responsibilities will be determined by the court or relevant authorities after investigation.
Both China Resources Property Management and Shenzhen Gas have not yet provided public statements regarding the situation.