Child, four adults killed in southern China fire

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-01-16 09:29

GUANGZHOU -- A 5-year-old boy and four adults were killed after a blaze engulfed their home in Guangdong Province Thursday, firemen said.

Firefighters inspect the burned-out brick house where a blaze killed five, including a 5-year-old boy, in the city of Shantou, south China's Guangdong province Friday January 16, 2009. [gzdaily.dayoo.com]

The fire broke out at 3:44 a.m., burning down a makeshift house in Chenghai district of Shantou city.

A couple from central China's Henan Province and their son were found dead, along with the bodies of two men who are yet to be verified.

Initial invesitgation indicates that they suffocated from thick smoke.

The brick house, covering about 22 square meters, was illegally built by a local resident for lease.

Police are investigating the cause of the blaze.

Another 31 fires occurred Wednesday and Thursday in Guangdong, claiming five victims, said Lu Xiaoping, an official with the provincial fire brigade.

Most of the ten victims were migrant workers living in rented houses. Elderly people and children were also among the dead, Lu said.