Argument with friends led to deadly arson at karaoke bar

A man accused of killing 18 people in an arson attack at a karaoke bar in southern China started the blaze shortly after an argument with friends, authorities said on Wednesday.

Liu Chunlu, 32, is alleged to have blocked the venue's only exit with his motorcycle and set the vehicle on fire in the early hours of Tuesday in Yingde, Guangdong province.

Fifteen men and three women died. Most were local residents. One was from Dongguan and another was from Shantou, both cities in Guangdong, a police statement said.