A man convicted of starting a fire in a KTV bar which killed 18 people was sentenced to death by a court in south China's Guangdong Province on Tuesday.

The Intermediate People's Court of Qingyuan City pronounced the judgment. The arsonist, Liu Chunlu, has also been deprived of his political rights for life.

The defendant said he was angry after he visited the bar with his friends on the night of April 23 and was rejected by a waitress. Later that night his business discussion at a lounge was unsuccessful after being interrupted by another guest.

At around 00:30 a.m. on April 24, Liu removed the oil pipe of his motorcycle parked at the door of the bar, allowing oil to flow onto the ground. He ignited the oil with a lighter, and the fire rapidly spread to the lounge.

A total of 18 people inside died of suffocation. Four others were rescued by firefighters.

Liu was caught by the police at 10 a.m. the same day. 

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