CHINA:A birthday party celebration in a karaoke bar in northeastern China turned horribly wrong after an explosion ripped through the parlour killing 25 people and injuring 33.
The incident happened about 9pm on Wednesday in Benxi county in Liaoning province. The blast smashed windows and damaged roofs in nearby houses.
Investigators are trying to find out what caused the explosion, which cut a high-voltage power line, causing a blackout in the surrounding Tianshifu township.
Many of the victims were believed to be students celebrating the end of their examinations. "At the time of the explosion, quite a few people were attending a birthday party at the karaoke bar and there were some pedestrians on the main road in front of the club, so the casualties were serious," the official Xinhua news agency said.
Karaoke singing is hugely popular in China. The whole country is dotted with "KTV" bars, and they are generally full.
Many bars double as brothels, with singing escorts offering other kinds of services to the karaoke fans. Karaoke parlours, which are largely cash businesses, are great ways for organised criminals to launder their illegal earnings.
After authorities finished rescue efforts yesterday, Xinhua cited provincial officials as saying 33 people were also hurt.
Investigators were trying to work out whether the blast was accidental or deliberate and local officials promised harsh treatment for anyone found responsible.
The owner of the club, which included a public bath, a karaoke bar and a restaurant, was killed in the explosion. Police have held his wife and staff at the club for questioning, the Xinhua news agency said.
