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Apartment fire kills seven elderly in east China city

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-12-03 10:06

WENZHOU, Zhejiang Province -- Seven people were killed after a fire broke out in an apartment building for elderly people in east China's Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, early Wednesday morning.

All of the fatalities were seniors with disabilities, including five men and two women, said Wu Jian, head of city's fire brigade.

No word yet on any injuries.

Wu said it took ten minutes to bring the fire under control. It broke out at 1:35 a.m..

The Kuanxin Apartment Building for Aged People is a privately-owned facility under the supervision of the city's civil affairs department. It houses 70 people.

The fire broke out on the second floor of the two-story building, spreading 60 square meters before it was controlled.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.