Fire in China's Sichuan leaves 24 hospitalized

CHENGDU -- A total of 24 people have been hospitalized following a hotel fire in Southwest China's city of Chengdu on Thursday, local authorities said.

Of those hospitalized due to smoke inhalation, two people are in a critical condition, one of whom is in a life-threatening condition, five are in a serious condition, and 17 others have minor injuries, according to the local emergency management bureau.

The district fire department said it received the fire alert at 11:02 am, and they were able to quickly put out the stairwell fire in the hotel in Wuhou District at 11:15 am.

The area burned is about 10 square meters. Smoke spread to the second floor of the hotel and caused the injuries.

The cause of the fire is under further investigation.