12 construction workers dead in China lift plunge

Twelve construction workers have died in China after the lift they were riding in plummeted to the ground.

The accident happened on a construction site in Xiapu county at 6.40am local time, in the eastern province of Fujian.

The deputy magistrate of Xiapu, Lin Jian, said three labour contractors at the project were being held by investigators.

All construction sites in the country have been ordered to stop work and improve safety, the China Daily reported.

On Tuesday, 11 construction workers were killed and 12 injured in Chongqing when a crane container carrying them plunged to the ground.

Investigations into both accidents are continuing.