Investigations into an inferno that killed 17 people in Beijing's southern Daxing district have discovered the cause was a faulty battery charger, authorities said on Wednesday.

According to an official statement, the fire broke out in a four-floor factory on Monday near a power cord connected to an electric tricycle battery.

"Checks of the scene determined that a short circuit in the power cord set light to combustible substances nearby," said Beijing Public Security Bureau spokesman Zhao Feng.

All the windows in the factory, which was an illegal construction, were covered with wire mesh. There was also only one emergency exit. A Daxing worker quoted by Beijing Youth Daily said the mesh was to protect against raiders.

A separate news release on the district government's website said several suspects were detained, including the owner of the building. Police would not disclose the actual number.

Family of the deceased and the 25 other victims still receiving hospital treatment for severe burns - mostly migrant workers - have arrived in the capital. A district official who gave his name as Zhao dismissed earlier reports that two children were among the dead, saying: "The reports were not accurate."

The area is said to have more than 200 illegal buildings erected by farmers, with many rented to garment manufacturers that have no legal approval. Production at all surrounding factories has been halted to allow for safety checks, Beijing Youth Daily reported.

Monday's blaze sparked a three-month citywide campaign to crack down on illegal management and construction, Beijing's administration of work safety said on Monday. It will focus on large residential areas, transport hubs and construction sites.

China Daily

(China Daily 04/28/2011)