15 dead, 22 injured in bar fire in east China

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-02-01 11:33

Revelers celebrating a birthday set off fireworks inside a bar in east China, triggering a blaze that killed 15 people and injured 22 others.

Charred wall and ceiling are seen inside a bar after a big fire that killed 15 people and injured 20 others, in Changle, east China's Fujian, in this photo taken on February 1, 2009. [Xinhua]

The Latin-style bar and restaurant in Changle, a city in east China's Fujian Province, caught fire at around 11:55 pm, when about 10 young men and women at a birthday party set off fireworks on their table, a city government spokesman said early Sunday.

The fireworks caught fire to the ceiling and soon the entire 198-square-meter restaurant was engulfed in flames, the spokesman said.

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

The fire was put out at around 12:20 am and 35 people were found in the debris. Fifteen were pronounced dead at the scene, the spokesman said. "Three of the injured are still in critical condition and 17 others are in stable condition after overnight treatment."

Firefighters and police officers collect evidence at the scene of a bar fire that killed 15 and injured 20 others, in Changle, east China’s Fujian province, February 1, 2009. [Xinhua]

Two other diners, who managed to escape the scene, sought medical attention Sunday morning, the official said.

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

As of 10 am Sunday, 14 of the deceased have been identified, he said.

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

Police cordoned off the bar on the downtown Zhenghe Road shortly after the accident. Investigation is ongoing.

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 January 26 this year.