An investigation has been launched over allegations that officials were partaking in an extravagant banquet hours before dozens of people were trampled to death at the Bund on New Year.

Shanghai authorities have called for the investigation as the officials who are responsible for the district which administers the Bund are alleged to have been dining at Utsusemi. The exclusive Japanese restaurant is owned by a company operated by the Huangpu District local government, prompting questions as to who footed the bill in the midst of a nationwide anti-graft campaign.

The story did the rounds on social media in the aftermath of the incident as people were questioning who was to blame for the tragedy, with many pointing to poor security management of the event.

Several major Shanghai events including the Lantern Festival in Yuyuan Gardens have been canceled in the wake of the tragedy in which 49 people were injured and 36 killed, the youngest of whom was only 12 years old.

Source: Shanghai Daily

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