Fourteen fire fighters have been killed and 16 injured, while another 6 fire fighters are still missing, as of 5 a.m. today, in a fire that broke out in Hengyang City, south China's Hunan Province.

The fire occurred in an eight-story building in Zhuhui District at about 5 a.m. Monday, forcing more than 400 residents to evacuate.

The burning building suddenly collapsed when a team of fire fighters was working inside.

The fire was extinguished and rescue work is still underway, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Local authorities said the 16 injured included four journalists.

(Xinhua News Agency November 5, 2003)