Fire Kills 38 In Workshop In Central China

A fire has killed 38 people in a workshop in Anyang city in central China’s Henan province, state media said on Tuesday.

Two other people were injured.

Investigators said sparks from welding work appeared to have been the cause of Monday's fire.

Rescue services first received reports of a fire at 4:22pm on Monday at Kaixinda Trading Co.

"After receiving the alarm, the municipal fire rescue detachment immediately dispatched forces to the scene," CCTV reported.

"Public security, emergency response, municipal administration, and power supply units rushed to the scene at the same time to carry out emergency handling and rescue work," it said, adding the fire had been extinguished by around 11pm local time.

In addition to the dead, two are in hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, CCTV added.

One or more welders operating in violation of safety rules appeared to have let loose sparks that ignited cotton fabric in the building, according to officials cited by Xinhua News Agency.

More than 200 search rescue workers and 60 firefighters responded to the fire. (Agencies)

_____________________________