Man dies in clash with urban management officals

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-01-10 21:15

Haikou -- A fruit vendor died Saturday in a clash with urban management officials in south China's Hainan Province, local authorities said.

Doctors of the Hainan Chinese Medicine Hospital, where the man was treated, said he died from problems with his heart.

Li Daxin, a vendor from Chengmai County, was riding a tricycle loaded with sugar cane at about 9 am on the Middle Wenming Road of Haikou City, the provincial capital, said Zhang Hong, Haikou Urban Management Administration spokesman.

A team of 10 urban management officials tried to take the tricycle. Zhang said it violated local regulations which stated tricycles carrying vegetables and fruits were not allowed on the road between 7 am and 11 pm.

"The man shouted and refused to cooperate. The personnel dealt with case according to law, without acting rudely."

The conflict attracted onlookers and blocked the traffic.

Li started twitching at 9:30 and was rushed to Hainan Chinese Medicine Hospital by the officials. The man died after treatment failed.

Police were meeting with Li's brother. Eyewitnesses said the man looked to be in his 30s. They also said the urban management officials did not beat Li, however, they threw the sugar cane onto the ground and tried to take away his tricycle.

"The man kept dragging his tricycle. Then the officials started to pull him to their vehicles," said a vendor who witnessed the incident.