China: 3 detained over fatal blast in residential area

By Mahmut Atanur

BEIJING (AA) – Chinese police have detained three people suspected of having illegally stored explosives that are believed to have caused a fatal explosion in northwest Shaanxi province.

The state-run China Daily reported Wednesday that investigations showed that five prefabricated apartments destroyed in the blast Monday afternoon might have contained illegally stored explosives in Xinmin Township.

The explosion left 14 people dead and 147 others injured, and damaged 58 houses, the town hospital and 63 vehicles.

An initial investigation showed that the prefabricated houses had been built within a residential compound.

The owner of the houses, which were reportedly rented out last month, was placed in custody amid an ongoing investigation.

According to the Daily, some residents of Fugu County -- where Xinmin keeps explosives for coal mine development as the area has rich coal reserves.