Thousands of police deployed in Shanghai on New Year’s Eve, one year after crush among revellers that killed 36
Thousands of security personnel were deployed on the streets of Shanghai on New Year’s Eve to ensure the safety of revellers a year after 36 people were killed in a crush during last year’s celebrations.
More than 50,000 police, firefighters and security volunteers patrolled the streets to maintain order.
The usual fireworks and lights shows were called off to ensure safety at landmarks around the city.
Tens of thousands, however, still flocked to the Bund on the riverside, the scene of last year’s disaster, to bring in the New Year.
READ MORE: Shanghai stampede officials ‘held accountable’ for accident that killed 36, says mayor
“I’ve come here with my good friend and we want to get into the atmosphere celebrating the New Year,” said 25-year-old Xu Liping, who sells clothing in Shanghai. “That’s what many young people love to do.”
“Since the accident, the government has strengthened security management. I think they’ll attach high importance to tonight’s situation here so it should be very safe,” she said.
Zhao Zimin, a tourist from Shenyang in Liaoning province in northeast China, said he and his friend had still come to the Bund, even though he was previously concerned about possible overcrowding.
It’s a moment not only to embrace the New Year, but also a time to mourn those innocent people killed in the accident
“I thought about it again and thought it would be fine because the government is nervous about this scenario and many people have a higher awareness of following orders [to avoid a crush],” he said.
Communist Party chief Han Zheng and the city’s mayor Yang Xiong inspected public squares, shopping centres and police stations to ensure “nothing goes wrong”, the news website Eastday.com reported.
“We must bear in mind every moment that there should no carelessness in urban safety management work,” Han was quoted as saying. “Shanghai has successful experiences, but has also learned painful lessons.”
The authorities in the city were heavily criticised last year for not deploying enough security staff on the streets and failing to marshal the huge crowds.
More than 44 New Year celebration events were held across the city on Thursday night, including a concert by the Hong Kong pop star Hacken Lee at the shopping and entertainment centre Xintiandi.
About 4,000 armed police were deployed on the Bund, at Nanjing Road, Lujiazui and at Xintiandi, the busiest areas on New Year’s Eve.
Chen Yi Square, where the crush occurred last year, was closed off by barriers and police officers.
Loud speakers repeatedly told the public to be aware of safety. “Due to the existence of huge crowds, please do not scramble. Pay attention to your belongings and your children,” one of the messages said.
Police officers asked visitors to walk up to a riverside terrace from one set of steps and leave from another to avoid crowding.
READ MORE: New Year’s Eve: for some in Shanghai, an anniversary too much to bear
The crush at Chen Yi Square was caused by crowds trying to push up and down the same set of steps.
Zhao, the tourist from Shenyang, said that when passing Chen Yi Square he felt sad for those killed in the disaster.
“So when I did the [New Year] countdown just now, I said in my heart that this kind of tragedy will not happen again,” he said.
Shanghai does not plan to hold an official event to mark a year passing since the disaster.
Zhang Lianfu, a 20-year-old visitor to the city, said the authorities should have done.
“It’s a moment not only to embrace the New Year, but also a time to mourn those innocent people killed in the accident,” he said. “After all, the authorities should respect each life.”
