1 dead, dozens injured in Urumqi bus fire

Firefighters put out a bus fire in Urumqi, the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, on Monday. One person died and at least 31 were injured. Local government said the fire was caused by an aging circuit in the bus that burst into flames.Qiu Jianwei / for China Daily

A bus fire left one person dead and at least 31 injured on Monday in Urumqi, capital of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

The fire was caused by an aging circuit, which burst into flames, according to the local government.

The bus had been put on a scrap list in March, a staff member of the bus company said. "The bus has been in operation for nearly 10 years and was going to be replaced soon," said an office director of the Urumqi Bus Co surnamed Wang.

The fire started around 11:30 am and was soon put out by firefighters.

Six people suffered severe injuries and were taken to local hospitals by emergency responders, while other injured passengers sought medical treatment on their own.

"The hospital has launched an emergency plan and organized experts to assist the injured," said Lei Wei, deputy head of the medical department at Xinjiang People's Hospital.

Twenty-four people injured in the fire are being treated at the hospital, and two are in critical condition. Most suffered burns, Lei said.

A woman surnamed Zhang said her husband was being treated for a wound on his face.

Liu Lulu, a student, is a lucky girl. She overslept and missed the bus on Monday morning because of a cold.

One of her classmates, Li Tongmin, was injured in the fire.

Liu said Li told her the fire started in the front of the bus. The passengers tried to push the door open but failed, so they jumped out of windows.

Li fell down, and an elderly helped her up. "She cried and said her hair and face were burned, howling in pain," Liu said. "I feel lucky for myself but sorrow for her."