15 dead, 22 injured in east China bar fire

Photo taken on Feb. 1, 2009 shows the

exterior of the bar where a fire happened in Changle City, southeast

China's Fujian Province. Altogether 15 people were confirmed dead after

fireworks set fire at the Latin-style bar Saturday night. (Chinese media/Lai

Jianqiang)
Photo

Gallery

FUZHOU, Feb. 1 (Chinese media) -- Fifteen people were confirmed dead and 24 injured when fireworks set fire to a bar in east China's Fujian Province Saturday, the local government said.

A Latin-style bar and restaurant in Changle City caught fire at around 11:55 p.m., when about 10 young men and women at a birthday party set off fireworks on their table, a city government spokesman said early Sunday.

Police have detained seven bar managers including the bar owner surnamed Zheng, who rented the house from the Changle Real Estate Company in April last year, pending an investigation into the incident.

Police also arrested seven people who allegedly caused the tragedy by setting off fireworks, but their identities were not revealed.

The fireworks set fire to the ceiling and soon the entire 198-square-meter restaurant was engulfed in flames, according to the city government spokesman.

"The fire brigade received the alarm a few minutes after midnight and sent five fire engines to the site."

The fire was put out at around 0:20 a.m. and 35 people were found in the debris. Fifteen were dead at the scene or on the way to the hospital. Officials said the 14 deceased have been identified and their ages ranged from 17 to 38.

"Twenty-one injured have been out of danger, while three heavily injured were in stable conditions as of 10 p.m.," the spokesman said.

Most of the victims suffered smoke inhalation or burns to their heads and limbs, he added. They all received first-aid at Changle City Hospital, about a kilometer from the bar before being hospitalized at three hospitals in the provincial capital Fuzhou.

"The flames spread very fast and many of the diners were unable to escape," said Li Ming, who suffered slight burns on his limbs. "Fortunately, fire engines and ambulances arrived quickly and we were all taken to hospital."

Police cordoned off the bar on the downtown Zhenghe Road shortly after the blaze and have begun an investigation.

Changle City has closed all entertainment facilities following the tragedy.

Saturday was the last day of the week-long holiday marking the Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, which fell on Jan.26.