Families cling to fading hopes of finding survivors

Sometimes, quitting a job can save your life.

Wang Zhichun, 19, worked at the plant for two years. He earned about 2,000 yuan ($326) a month for a six-day week.

However, the frequent need to work overtime and the strict management made him feel as though he had been imprisoned. He resigned two weeks ago.

He feels lucky, although his days in the plant haunt him like a nightmare.

"The management is very strict and it feels like being in jail. No one is allowed to leave their post without permission, so you have to report before using the bathroom so a substitute can replace you. And you have to be back at your work station within two minutes," said Wang.

"They (the management) think it will be hard to manage so many workers with all the gates open, so only the small side exits were unlocked during working hours," he said.

Meanwhile, the managers didn't bother to provide safety training, so the workers had no idea of the correct procedures in the event of an emergency, added Liu Yunbo.

Wang Chong was not as fortunate as Wang Zhichun. The 17-year-old from nearby Dawangjia village is among those reported missing. She has worked at the poultry plant for just two and half months.

"We hoped to get some news about the place where the fire started, but the entire area is guarded by police. They said they don't know anything and won't let us in," said her sister Wang Yuli, 21.

"My younger sister is very diligent and pretty. I really can't accept the fact that she's dead. She was only 17 and should have a long life ahead of her," said Wang Yuli.

Their father died several years ago and the family lives by planting crops. The money they earn is far from enough to pay the medical fees for their mother, who has diabetes and heart disease.

Wang Chong quit school a few months ago to help support the family.

"She gave most of her salary to mom and only kept a small amount every month. Unlike most girls of her age, who often buy beautiful dresses, she always wore a neat white T-shirt," said Wang Yuli.

"We know the chances are very slim, but even if it's just her dead body, we still want to see her for the last time," she said.

Contact the writer at hena@chinadaily.com.cn