The number of people injured in fire accidents over the week-long May holiday dropped by 73.9 percent from last year, a spokesman with the Ministry of Public Security said on Tuesday.

About 4,670 fire accidents were reported, leaving 30 people dead and 12 others injured, but none of them were serious thanks to effective fire control measures, said Wu Heping at a press conference.

Financial damage caused by accidents were estimated to be around 17 million yuan (2.1 million US dollars), some 40 percent lower than last year, he said.

Meanwhile, seven serious traffic accidents that each caused over five deaths were reported during the week, leaving 44 dead and 16 injured, down by 20 percent and 65.2 percent respectively.

Government statistics showed that around 120 million trips were taken across the country during this year's May "Golden Week", a national holiday period established in 1999 to stimulate traveling and spending.

As millions travel back home or visit tourist sites, concerns about accidents and the strain on tourist infrastructure and public transport rise.

More than 3.1 million policemen and security guards were mobilized in Beijing alone to ensure social security during the week, the spokesman said.

Source: Xinhua