Chinese Minister of Public Security Meng Jianzhu Tuesday morning extended his condolences to the victims and their family members of the fire that engulfed a Shanghai apartment building Monday.

At a local funeral house, Meng bowed to the remains of fire victims and met with family members.

"We share your deep sorrow for the losses you suffered in the fire accident. The Party and the government are very concerned about you and will be with you through this difficult time," Meng told the family members.

On Monday afternoon, a fire broke out on scaffolding erected around a 85-meter-tall building that housed more than 156 households with 440 members. The fire left 53 dead and more than 70 injured.

Meng promised to take care of the victims' funerals and the lives of the victims' families.

Before heading to the funeral house, Meng visited two hospitals and comforted the survivors of the fire.

Meng lauded the courage and wisdom of the fire's survivors during his visit to the hospitals.

When meeting with Wang Jun, a 32-year-old survivor of the fire, the minister wished him a speedy recovery.

"I am relieved to find that you are recovering well. I believe you will return to full health quickly and rebuild your life," Meng told the survivors at the hospitals.

Meng asked the hospitals to arrange appropriate medical treatment and psychological counseling for the survivors.

Shanghai Party chief Yu Zhengsheng accompanied Meng during the hospital visit.

(Xinhua News Agency November 16, 2010)