Power plant fire leaves 38 dead in China

A fire caused by improper handling on Monday (21) at a factory in central China killed 38 people, the official New China news agency reported Tuesday (22), citing local officials.

Two people were injured and were taken to hospital, according to CCTV. According to state media, emergency services were sent immediately after being alerted about a fire at Kaixinda Trading company, in Anyang city, central Henan province, 500 km south of Beijing.

Footage released by the same sources shows thick clouds of black smoke from the fire and at least two fire engines on the scene battling the flames. Another video shows the charred carcass of the building after the fire, which occurred around 11 p.m. local time, was extinguished.

"This accident was triggered by a manipulation contrary to regulations by a company employee. [An operation of] electric welding caused the fire," state-run CCTV television reported.