NE China construction site fire kills 5

Photo taken on Aug. 28, 2013 shows the construction site where a fire broke out in Songbei District of Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Five people were killed in a fire at a construction site which occurred around 9 a.m. on Wednesday. Initial investigation shows that the fire was caused by an electric welder who accidentally the ignited thermal insulation material on a balcony. Eight people have been sent to local hospitals for further observation. (Xinhua)

Five people were killed in a fire at a construction site in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province on Wednesday morning, local authorities said.

The accident occurred around 9 a.m. in Songbei District in the provincial capital of Harbin, according to a statement from the district publicity department.

Initial investigation shows that the fire was caused by an electric welder who accidentally ignited thermal insulation material on a balcony. Two of the deceased died at the site, and three others in hospital after they had fallen from the building, it said.

Eight people have been sent to local hospitals for further observation.

Further investigation into the cause of the accident is under way.