South China police have detained nine people in connection with a blaze at a restaurant that left ten people dead and nine injured on Wednesday, local officials said.

Those in custody included the legal representative of the restaurant, the manager, the landlord, and some staff members.

The fire at the Mingdian Western-style Restaurant in Zhangmutou town, Dongguan city, Guangdong Province, was reported at 5:07 p.m. and was put out in 15 minutes after spreading to more than 400 square meters, the officials with the Dongguan government said.

A senior official with the Dongguan government said the fire started in an air conditioner, possibly with faulty electric wiring, on the first floor and spread quickly, consuming many inflammable objects such as tablecloths, carpets, sofas and curtains.

(Xinhua News Agency December 17, 2007)