At least 17 people, mostly youngsters, have been killed in a big fire in a local video game house in Tangshan City, north China's Hebei Province, Monday afternoon.

Seven of them were found dead on the spot, and 10 others died in local hospital.

The video game parlor is illegally run by a local retiree, Ling Fu, who blocked the door and windows, leaving only a secret gateway for entrance.

The fire, which was believed to be caused by short circuit, occurred at 2:25 pm, according to local police sources.

The owner has gone into hiding, while three others involved have been brought into custody for interrogation by the police who was continuing to investigate the case.

(China Daily February 19, 2002)