Three people were injured and dozens were evacuated when a hotel in downtown Beijing caught fire early Friday, the local fire brigade said.

The fire broke out at 4:30 a.m. at Jialong Sunlight Hotel, a three-star hotel in the downtown Chaoyangmen Street, said a spokesman with the fire brigade under Beijing Public Security Bureau.

Investigators said the fire started with a short circuit at the bar counter and spread at least 15 square meters.

Fire fighters evacuated 32 people from all the three floors. Some guests on the second and third floor slid down makeshift bedsheet ladders or jumped out of windows.

Three people were treated at hospital for injuries from smoke inhalation.

The flames were put out at 5:03 a.m.

The hotel, with more than 300 rooms, is close to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Beijing's embassy area.

A hotel receptionist said operation was undisrupted.

Go to Forum >>0 Comments