Beijing Police Detain 18 After Apartment Fire Kills 19

Authorities have detained 18 people after a fire killed 19 and injured eight in a Beijing suburb on Saturday, South China Morning Post reports.

The deadly blaze occurred in a three-story apartment building in Xinjian Village in Daxing District. 

READ MORE: Fire Kills 19 in Beijing Apartment Building

Although an investigation is still underway, authorities believe that the fire broke out in the basement, where a refrigeration facility was being built. 

Authorities have detained seven apartment managers, seven electricity workers and four construction workers. According to the police, the workers did not have the proper qualifications. 

In response to the deadly fire, Cai Qi, secretary of the Communist Party, has called for 40 days of citywide safety inspections and the demolition of more illegal structures.

"Lessons of the fire is extremely grave. The city must be on high alert. We must take actions and protect people's lives and safeguard the safety and stability of the capital," he said. 

[Image via Reuters]