A devastating fire, which occurred Monday evening in central China's Henan Province, has claimed 309 lives, reliable sources confirmed Tuesday morning.
The fire broke out at 21:35 at a department store which is located in the old urban area of Luoyang City. The fire stranded a group of builders on the second and third floors and more than 200 people who were at a singing and dancing hall on the fourth floor.
Several dozen people are now being treated at local hospitals, the sources said.
Leading government officials of Henan Province and Luoyang City, including Governor Li Keqiang, rushed to the scene to direct rescue work.
The fire was completely put out at 00:45 early Tuesday morning.
(Xinhua 12/26/2000)
