China firework bar blaze kills 15

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At least 15 people have died in a fire at a bar in south-east China, which the authorities believe was started by fireworks, state media reports.

A group of people celebrating a birthday in Changle in Fujian province set off the fireworks at their table, Xinhua news agency reports.

At least 20 people were reported to be injured, three seriously.

Fireworks, a common feature of Chinese celebrations, kill several hundred people in the country each year.

A spokesman for the Changle city authorities told Xinhua that the fireworks had set the ceiling on fire and that "the entire place was soon engulfed in flames".

The official said the fire had been put out in about 30 minutes and rescuers found 35 people inside the building.

"Three of the injured are still in critical condition and the other 17 are out of danger after overnight treatment," he said.

Eyewitness Li Ming, who was slightly injured in the fire, said it took hold so quickly, people in the building had been unable to escape.

All entertainment venues in Changle were closed following the fire and a police investigation is under way, said Xinhua.