South China police have
detained nine people in connection with a blaze at a restaurant
that left ten people dead and nine injured on Wednesday, local
officials said.
Those in custody
included the legal representative of the restaurant, the manager,
the landlord, and some staff members.
The fire at the Mingdian
Western-style Restaurant in Zhangmutou town, Dongguan city,
Guangdong Province, was reported at 5:07 p.m. and was put out in 15
minutes after spreading to more than 400 square meters, the
officials with the Dongguan government said.
A senior official with
the Dongguan government said the fire started in an air
conditioner, possibly with faulty electric wiring, on the first
floor and spread quickly, consuming many inflammable objects such
as tablecloths, carpets, sofas and curtains.
(Xinhua News Agency
December 17, 2007)