One day after the remains of the last unaccounted-for resident were recovered from a quake-stricken apartment complex, Taiwanese prosecutors have launched an investigation into allegations structural changes weakened the building.
Taiwan's official Central News Agency (CNA) reported Sunday that residents had claimed that the owner had removed partition walls and columns from the first two of the building's floors so it could be rented out to an electronics store.
Weiguan Jinlong apartment complex was one of 10 buildings that collapsed in Tainan's Yongkang District after the Feb. 6 earthquake.
All but two of the 116 people who died were Weiguan residents, the last of which was retrieved from the debris Saturday afternoon.
"The last victim's remains were discovered at 3:57 p.m (0757GMT)," reported CNA. "Coincidentally, the earthquake shook Tainan at 3:57 p.m."
More than 540 people sustained injuries.
City government statistics showed that 397 people were rescued from the building; 104 of whom required hospital treatment.
CNA reported that the owner of the first and second floors is one of many people prosecutors have summoned for questioning.
