China
11:23, 25-Aug-2018
19 killed in hotel fire in NE China's Harbin
Updated
10:43, 28-Aug-2018
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At least 19 people were killed in a fire that ripped through a hotel in the city of Harbin in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province on Saturday.
Another 23 people are currently in hospital receiving treatment, with one in critical condition.
Local authorities said one injured person died in hospital, bringing the death toll to 19 as of 1:00 p.m. BJT.
The other 18 fatalities were found at the scene and authorities are now trying to verify their identity.
Police have detained legal representative of the hotel, a 46-year-old male surnamed Zhang for his liability in the deadly fire.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown and a probe into the incident has been ordered.
Firefighters responded to the incident at the Beilong Hot Spring Leisure Hotel at around 4:36 a.m., and the fire was extinguished at 7:50 a.m. thanks to the efforts of 107 firefighters.
The blaze had engulfed parts of the second, third and fourth floors, covering an area of around 400 square meters.
A total of 20 people were rescued and 80 others evacuated.
1058km