Shanghai - Shanghai fire authorities are refusing to approve the city's first and perhaps its last capsule hotel, saying materials used in its construction do not meet safety standards.
The Fire Control Bureau has confirmed reports that tests showed the materials used to build the 3,200-square-foot (300-square-metre) hotel with 68 small single bed-sized rooms were not fireproof but actually highly flammable fiber-reinforced plastics.
The decision followed a November 15 blaze at a high-rise apartment building that killed 58 people and has been blamed on use of unsafe materials and illegal contracting.
The fire official bureau Thursday that concerns over heavy smoking among those who might use the capsule hotel were another concern. - Sapa-AP