Father may face charges in children's shopping mall death: lawyer

(ECNS) - After two children fell to their death from the fourth floor of a shopping mall, a lawyer said the father could be criminally liable for at least one fatality.

The father was holding two children, about 2 to 4 years old, when they looked down over a glass barrier at the mall in northern Tianjin.

Eyewitness said one child fell five floors to the basement level while the second also fell as the father tried to grasp the first.

Wang Youyin, a lawyer with Shengyun Law Firm in Beijing, said he believes it is highly possible the father will face criminal charges in the death of the second child.

He failed to fulfill his obligation of safe attendance, Wang explained.

The lawyer also called for the shopping mall to better ensure the safety of visitors, although its regulations may already satisfy the national safety standard.

Local police said the children included a brother and sister.

The tragedy gained wide attention on the Internet, provoking discussions on parenting as well as ensuring safety.