(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-09-17 17:16

Nine people were killed and 25 others injured after what appears to be a deliberately planned explosion in Central China's Hunan Province, local authorities said on Monday.

The blast occurred Sunday evening at a restaurant in Wenjiashi Township, Liuyang City, when more than 30 people were dining, according to police.

Initial investigations showed the diners were treated by a villager from the town, who had been in dispute with the guests over family issues.

The unidentified villager had invited the people to the restaurant, allegedly to apologize, a police spokesman said.

The explosion was believed to have been planned and the spokesman said it was a criminal case.

The injured people were stable in hospital, he said.

No further details were provided, while reporters were barred from entering the scene.

Investigations were continuing, the spokesman said.