frightfiction Chapter 831 Autopsy, Confirming Identity
Chapter 831 Autopsy, Confirming Identity
At this moment, Xiao Zhao, who was in charge of data analysis, quickly replied: "Director Qin, the preliminary estimate is that the explosive yield is equivalent to 2 tons of TNT. Based on the depth and radius of the crater, as well as the extent of damage to surrounding buildings, we used professional explosion mechanics formulas for calculation. However, this is only a preliminary result and needs to be calibrated by combining more on-site data."
Li Ming frowned, looking at the warehouse in ruins: "Such a large explosive yield seems difficult to explain by mere improper storage of ordinary hazardous chemicals. Could there be the possibility of sabotage? For example, deliberately triggering a chemical reaction of the hazardous chemicals?"
Old Zhang, who was in charge of the on-site trace investigation, came over with a magnifying glass and a notebook in his hand: "Team Leader Li, we found some strange traces at the scene. In one corner of the warehouse, some pipes have obvious cutting marks, which do not look like they were caused by an explosion. In addition, we also found some wires and circuit board fragments of unknown origin nearby, which we initially judged to be related to some kind of electronic device."
Qin Chuan took the magnifying glass from Lao Zhang and carefully examined the cutting marks: "If these marks existed before the explosion, then it's very suspicious. It's very likely that someone sabotaged the warehouse's hazardous chemical storage system beforehand and installed some triggering devices, thus causing the explosion."
Forensic pathologist Zhang Lin approached again, her expression grave: "Director Qin, Captain Li, further autopsies revealed some abnormalities in two other bodies besides the one with blunt force trauma. One body had severe chemical burns in its lungs, indicating that it inhaled a large amount of toxic chemical gas during the explosion. Furthermore, judging from the severity of the burns, it was likely unconscious before the explosion. The other body had multiple fractures, the shape of which didn't resemble those caused by the explosion's impact, but rather by prolonged compression from a heavy object."
Qin Chuan and Li Ming exchanged a glance, both realizing that this case was far more complex than they had imagined. "It seems this is definitely not a simple hazardous chemical warehouse explosion," Qin Chuan said gravely. "Li Ming, immediately arrange for a thorough investigation of all employees at the Northern Chemical Plant, especially those with recent unusual behavior or conflicts with warehouse management. At the same time, conduct a detailed technical analysis of the electrical wires, circuit board fragments, and other physical evidence found at the scene to see if we can determine their origin and purpose. We must uncover the truth of this case as soon as possible and give the victims and society an explanation."
Li Ming nodded vigorously: "Yes, Director Qin. I'll go arrange it right away." After saying that, he turned around and strode towards the busy police officers to begin issuing new instructions.
The identities of the victims in the Dongchuan City hazardous chemical warehouse explosion have been confirmed.
Forensic pathologist Zhang Lin carefully directed the staff as they lifted the three bodies onto the hearse one by one. The pungent smell of chemicals mingled with the stench of decay, filling the air. She frowned, her mind filled with an urgent desire to uncover the truth. "Make sure the bodies are intact; any small clue could be key to solving the case," she instructed, while simultaneously checking the wrapping of the bodies again.
Back at the Criminal Investigation Division, the autopsy room was dimly lit and the atmosphere oppressive. Zhang Lin donned protective gear, gloves, and a mask, her eyes revealing professionalism and focus. She began by dissecting the body, which had multiple non-explosion-related injuries. The sharp scalpel sliced through the skin, and she meticulously examined the depth, angle, and healing of each wound. "This blunt force trauma wound has irregular edges and obvious tissue contusions; it was likely caused by repeated blows from a hard, club-like object," Zhang Lin meticulously recorded on the recording equipment as she operated.
The autopsy lasted for several hours, and Zhang Lin was exhausted, her forehead covered in sweat, but she didn't slacken her efforts in the slightest. After completing the autopsy, she extracted tissue samples from the cadaver, preparing for DNA testing. With the assistance of technicians, the samples were quickly placed into an advanced DNA sequencer. The machine hummed, and data constantly jumped across the screen.
Meanwhile, Li Ming's investigation team was also working intensively. They were conducting a comprehensive review of the employee files of the Northern Chemical Plant, investigating information on every person related to warehouse management and operations. "We're focusing on employees who have conflicts of interest with the plant's senior management or who have recently exhibited unusual behavior," Li Ming said to his team members as he reviewed the documents.
A few hours later, the DNA test results came back. The technician, holding the report, rushed to Zhang Lin. "Forensic Doctor Zhang, the DNA match is successful. The DNA from one body matches the information of Zhao Qiang, a shareholder of the chemical plant, and the other is his driver, Sun Ming." Zhang Lin took the report, examined it carefully, and was shocked. "It's actually a chemical plant shareholder; the complexity of this case far exceeds my expectations." She immediately dialed Li Ming's number.
"Captain Li, the identities of the deceased have been confirmed. One body belongs to Zhao Qiang, a shareholder of the chemical plant, and the other to his driver, Sun Ming. Moreover, the blunt force trauma on Zhao Qiang's body is likely the direct cause of his death, not the explosion," Zhang Lin reported quickly over the phone.
"What?" Li Ming's voice was filled with shock. "There must be something serious going on behind this. Forensic Doctor Zhang, continue the in-depth analysis of the body and see if there are any other crucial clues. We will also expedite the investigation into the personnel inside the chemical plant, especially those closely related to Zhao Qiang." Li Ming hung up the phone, his eyes revealing determination and resolve.
After confirming that the deceased were Zhao Qiang, a shareholder of the chemical plant, and his driver Sun Ming, Qin Chuan immediately instructed Li Ming to investigate their personal networks, especially their connections with people inside the chemical plant, with a focus on investigating their conflicts of interest with the plant manager, Li Yang.
Li Ming quickly assembled several investigation teams. One team was responsible for going deep into the Northern Chemical Plant to retrieve Zhao Qiang and Sun Ming's work files, attendance records, and past business documents. The other team began to visit the two men's families and friends to understand their social circles and potential conflicts from the perspective of daily life.
Inside the chemical plant, the investigation team found Zhao Qiang's direct subordinate. This subordinate appeared nervous, his eyes constantly glancing around as he spoke. "Shareholder Zhao usually has a lot of say in the factory, but he and Factory Director Li often disagree on some decisions. Take the recent investment in the new production line, for example. Shareholder Zhao advocated for importing advanced foreign equipment, but Factory Director Li felt the cost was too high. The two argued about this several times, and almost slammed their fists on the table during meetings."
The team that visited Zhao Qiang's family also made some progress. Zhao Qiang's wife, with tears streaming down her face, sobbed, "My husband has been in a bad mood lately. He says things aren't going well at the factory, his conflict with Li Yang is getting worse, and he's worried that his shares will be diluted. One time he came home so angry that he started throwing things, saying that Li Yang was pulling strings behind his back and trying to squeeze him out of the board of directors."