Experts: indoor fireworks display led to Fujian bar blaze

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-02-06 23:02

FUZHOU -- The bar fire that killed 15 people in east China was caused mainly by the illegal ignition of fireworks indoors, said local authorities here Friday.

A firefighter checks the interior of a scorched bar where a fire caused by indoor fireworks display killed 15 people in Changle City, East Chins's Fujian Province, February 1, 2009. [Xinhua]

A fire broke out in a Latin-style bar and restaurant in Changle City, Fujian Province, on January 31 after 10 young men and women at a birthday party set off fireworks at their table.

The fire injured 24 people, who are in stable condition at area hospitals.

Experts with the provincial firefighting authority said the bar, with the ceiling less than six meters high, was likely to catch on fire if fireworks were ignited inside.

The bar, with a floor space of about 200 square meters, housed at least 100 customers, 13 waiters, a manager and a bar owner when the fire broke out, which made it impossible for the crowd to escape in a short time.

Flammable decoration materials in the bar gave off heavy smoke and poisonous emissions when burning, which was life-threatening for those trapped inside. It also hindered the rescue operation of fire fighters, the experts said.

Police have detained 20 suspects in connection with the accident, including the revelers who set off the fireworks and the owners and managers of the bar. The suspects could face lawsuits by the local prosecutor's office.

The city government plans to carry out a five-month safety check on key buildings, such as mixed commercial and residential buildings and entertainment venues.