Wenzhou , China ( CNN ) -- Acknowledging strong public anger and skepticism over the government 's handling of a deadly bullet train collision last weekend , Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Thursday promised a thorough investigation into the accident and its aftermath . Wen made the pledge on the crash site near Wenzhou in eastern Zhejiang province , where a bullet train was struck from behind Saturday night by another train , killing at least 40 people and injuring almost 200 . `` Our investigation has to answer to the people , '' Wen said after laying a bouquet of flowers at a makeshift memorial on the scene . `` There will be a thorough probe into the accident , including all relevant aspects from equipment failures , management problems to manufacturing issues . '' `` If corruption is found during the investigation , we will take it seriously and punish those responsible to the fullest extent of the law , '' he added . Earlier the state-run Xinhua news agency quoted the Shanghai railway bureau as saying design flaws in the railway signal equipment led to Saturday 's fatal collision . Before addressing reporters at the crash site , Wen met victims ' families and visited injured passengers at a local hospital . He said the government must show compassion in dealing with people affected by the tragedy , reminding officials that `` money would not bring lost loved ones back . '' State media Tuesday reported that local authorities would offer bonus money to victims ' families who settle early with the government , which has capped the total compensation at 500,000 yuan ( 77,000 U.S. dollars ) . Local officials later denied the story amid fierce criticisms online . Chinese netizens have also been fuming over the railway ministry 's decision to end search-and-rescue operation after less than six hours , and its move to crush and bury one of the six derailed train cars when the investigation had barely started . In a nod to such sentiment , Wen said railway officials owed the public an answer while stressing the importance of an open and transparent investigation . `` The key to the handling of the accident is whether we let people know the truth , '' he said . `` During the process , we should release information to the public timely and accurately . '' Wen , China 's third most senior official after President Hu Jintao and legislative chief Wu Bangguo , has long been the public face of the top leadership in times of disasters and tragedies . He made a point of explaining his uncharacteristic absence from the scene until five days after the crash , saying he had been sick and confined to a hospital bed for 11 days . Now the world 's second-largest economy , and flush with cash , China has built the world 's longest high-speed rail network -- boasting more than 8,300 kilometers ( 5,100 miles ) of routes -- in a few short years . The government plans to pour over $ 400 billion into rail projects in the next five years and also wants to export its technologies to markets that include the United States . The massive investment and rapid construction have long raised public doubts on the new lines ' safety and commercial viability , and last Saturday 's accident has only bolstered critics ' arguments . `` I think the bullet train system is not stable and may break down in extreme weather conditions , '' said Professor Zhao Jian , a transportation expert with Beijing Jiaotong University . `` The previous railway minister developed high-speed rail irrationally and unscientifically , and this accident was the consequence of that 'great leap forward ' strategy . '' Wen assured skeptics home and abroad that the government would learn its lessons and do its utmost to restore people 's faith in China 's high-speed rail . `` If safety is compromised , there is no credibility to speak of , '' he said . `` It is important that we integrate our effort in pursuing speed , quality , efficiency and safety with the understanding that safety always comes first . ''
China promises thorough investigation . Chinese media reports that flaws in railway signalling equipment led to the deadly train crash . China has built the world 's longest high - speed rail network . Thirty - nine people died in the fatal train accident .