When accidents happen, people often ask if and how they could have been prevented. But an equally pressing question is, who should take responsibility? Some experts say it should be top officials -- calling for enhanced government accountability.

Two high-ranking officials have recently resigned for negligence after two fatal accidents. Although we can't know if it was voluntary or under pressure from their bosses, the public has welcomed the moves.

One Beijing citizen said, "This is good news for legal improvement in the long run in China. Officials should take responsibility for accidents like these."

His view is shared by an expert who says it's important for government officials to realize negligence is more damaging than corruption.

Liu Suhua, Ph.D in Chinese Communist Party School, said, "Negligence has long been a big problem. Danger can come at any moment. You can't anticipate or calculate the severity of the danger or the extent of the losses."

Liu says it's a radical shift in thinking for government officials to realize that their power comes from the people. And with power comes responsibility.

He also proposed, "China must establish a government accountability system. If something bad happens because an official does something he shouldn't or he doesn't do something he should, he must give up his office."

An incompetent official's resignation or removal can't make up for the loss of the victims and their relatives, but it does reveal who is responsible. For those working under dangerous conditions, it's the duty of the officials in charge to do everything possible to prevent accidents.

People have a responsibility for their actions. For government officials, the public servants, negligence and indifference towards their work will no longer be tolerated. If they don't take it upon themselves to step down, they'll be dismissed.

Source: CCTV News