Police in east China detain 20 over fatal bar fire

FUZHOU, Feb. 2 (Chinese media) -- Police have detained 20

suspects following a bar fire that killed 15 people Saturday in east China's

Fujian Province, the local government said.

Among those detained were some of the revelers who

set off the fireworks in a bar during a birthday celebration and the owners and

managers of the bar, according to the government of Changle City, where the

accident took place.

The suspects could face lawsuits by the local

prosecutor's office.

Of the 24 injured in the accident, one remained in

critical condition and 23 others were stable, doctors said.

As of Sunday, the government had closed 112 public

venues including karaoke bars, dance clubs and recreation centers to carry out

safety inspections.

Staff of the local firefighting teams and work safety

regulators were inspecting recreation centers, hotels, restaurants, shopping

malls, markets, hospitals, schools, kindergartens, and nursing houses. The

inspections cover firefighting equipment and procedures, according to a circular

jointly issued by the provincial administrations of public security and work

safety Monday.

Inspectors will also look at stage settings and

fire-proof materials, electric wiring and evacuation facilities.

Public venues found with substandard firefighting

equipment or whose employees lack fire-control training will have to suspend

operations until these problems are rectified, according to the circular.

The circular did not state when the safety overhaul

will end.

Changle is a county-level city administered by

Fuzhou, the provincial capital of Fujian Province.

A fire broke out in a Latin-style bar and restaurant

in Changle City at about 11:55 p.m., Saturday after 10 young men and women at a

birthday party set off fireworks on their table.