Examining a tragedy

Re “Lab death raises questions,” March 1

The death of 23-year-old research assistant Sheri Sangji illustrates our tendency to ignore important provisions until calamity wakes us. Following her death at UCLA’s Molecular Sciences Building, the university has launched a review of its safety protocols and has increased inspections. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health and the state fire marshal are also investigating the accident.

This incident will, at least for a period of time, promote proper training and diminish the number of safety violations that pose a risk to researchers.

I hope further tragedies will be prevented.

Lixon Wang

Chino

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The lab fire was a tragedy and could have been prevented. There’s no “haunting question” here, and The Times’ handling of the story is very UCLA-friendly.

Does UCLA get a free pass on the first death?

Samuel Scanlon

League City, Texas