Eight detained as village blast toll rises to 15

An explosion took place at Laoshan village in Kaili city, southwest China's Guizhou province on Monday. The explosion occurred around 2:30 p.m. and investigation into the case is now in full swing. [Photo/CFP]

Eight suspects were detained as the death toll from a southwest China village blast rose to 15, local police said Tuesday.

The explosion occurred at 2:40 p.m. Monday on a remote mountain slope at Laoshan village, Kaili City in Guizhou Province, police said Monday.

The number of the injured has risen to eight, and all are in stable condition.

The casualties were people who had gathered at the site to gamble, said police after an initial investigation.

The detained suspects include three who surrendered themselves to police.

Police are still investigating the case. A working team from the Ministry of Public Security arrived at the scene early Tuesday.