An illegally run kindergarten in central China's Henan Province collapsed at 9:10 am Wednesday, killing three children instantly, while one died on the way hospital and three more died while receiving hospital treatment.

The accident injured another eight including one teacher. So far seven children have died and four others including the teachers are still under treatment.

The unlicensed kindergarten, set up at a private home in Zhangjiagou Village, Xicun Town of Gongyi City, toppled because a neighboring abandoned house collapsed.

The local government has ordered the immediate closure of all unregistered kindergartens, elementary and middle schools, or registered facilities that are unsafe or close to unsafe properties.

(Xinhua News Agency August 27, 2003)