China to examine run-down residential buildings

BEIJING - China will kick off a nationwide examination of run-down residential buildings following several deadly collapses, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development announced on Friday.

Old or run-down residential buildings in cities and county seats will be examined, said the ministry. All affordable housing and shanty-town renovation houses are also included.

Last Friday, part of a five-story residential building in east China's Zhejiang Province collapsed, killing one person and injuring six others.

The collapse was the latest in a string of similar tragedies involving buildings and bridges in the country in recent years.