Hundreds mark anniversary of deadly Shanghai fire

SHANGHAI (AP) -- About 600 people have gathered in China's commercial hub of Shanghai to mark the anniversary of an apartment-building fire that killed 58 people last year.

The memorial Tuesday was peaceful, but did have political overtones because 26 people have been jailed for up to 16 years for bribery and other crimes related to the fire.

A woman who would give only her last name, Shi, said she worked close to the fire that swept through a 28-story apartment building and wanted to honor those who died.

Welders have been blamed for causing the fire by ignoring safety precautions. Sparks from their welding set alight nylon netting and bamboo scaffolding. Most of the victims were overcome by smoke, toxic fumes and heat.

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