Beijing Fireworks Display Sets Off Deadly Inferno

by Anthony Kuhn, NPR

One of the most visually stunning landmarks on Beijing's skyline is the new headquarters of state broadcaster China Central Television. CCTV had organized a fireworks display to celebrate the new complex, but it went terribly wrong. The fireworks set off a fire on a side tower and it became a raging inferno. One firefighter was killed. CCTV acknowledged it never obtained the special permit needed for the fireworks.

Broadcast Dates

• Morning Edition, February 11, 2009