11 receive prison terms for north China blast that killed 24

SHIJIAZHUANG -- Eleven people were given prison terms ranging from three to five years over blasts that killed 24 people last year in the city of Zhangjiakou, North China's Hebei province.

According to an official investigation, the blasts were triggered by the leakage of the toxic gas vinyl chloride at around 12:40 am on Nov 28, 2018, killing 24, injuring 21, and destroying 38 trucks and 12 cars.

The court said the 12 defendants violated safety rules during production leading to the large loss of life and property.

Eleven of the group were sentenced to three to five years in prison, and one was exempted from criminal punishment, based on their respective involvement in the case.