Police in south China's Guangdong Province said Tuesday a worker had been detained for allegedly stabbing three businessmen, two of whom died, in a dispute over workplace injury compensation.

Police identified the detained man as Liu Hanhuang, 26, a native of Songtao County in southwest China's Guizhou Province.

Liu allegedly stabbed the three men Monday. They were identified as Lin Yuteng, 33, general manager of Zhanming Hardware Factory, a Taiwan-invested business, Shao Zhengji, 50, deputy general manager and Lao Zhenrui, 40, production manager. All were residents of Taichung, Taiwan.

Lin and Shao died of their wounds, according to police of Dalang Township in Dongguan, an export-oriented processing city.

According to the township police, Liu came to work at the factory last August. One month later, he sustained a hand injury at work.

Liu was sent to a local hospital for treatment, but part of his right hand had to be amputated. Liu has been allowed to stay at the factory after he recovered, but he and the factory administrators could not reach an agreement over compensation, the township police said.

Liu came to the general office of the factory Monday morning to discuss compensation with the three administrators. They agreed to continue their discussions in the afternoon, but shortly after midday, Liu attacked the three with a knife.

Liu fled the scene but was apprehended not far from the factory later Monday.

Officials haven't yet specified what charges they will bring against Liu. Under Chinese law, the maximum penalty for intentional injury could be death with a two-year stay. The maximum penalty for murder could be the death sentence and immediate execution.

(Xinhua News Agency June 16, 2009)