Local authorities have identified 59-year old Chen Shuizong as a suspect responsible for the fire. The man, who left a suicide note in his home, died in the blaze.

47 people were killed and 34 were injured when an express bus burst into flames on an elevated road in the city of Xiamen. After a preliminary investigation, police said the fire had been intentionally lit.

Huang Wenhui, spokesman of Xiamen government, said, "The bus uses diesel, but the cause we found is gasoline, so it is unlikely to be an accident."

Photo taken by mobile phone on June 7, 2013 shows the debris of a bus on an elevated track in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province. At least 47 people died and more than 30 others were injured.

The bus caught fire during the evening rush hour, when the city's rapid transit system is usually jammed with commuters. Pictures taken by witnesses have been posted online, showing heavy smokes and survivors with burns on their arms and legs. The injured people are being treated at 2 local hospitals. 16 are in a critical condition. Many of them have been operated on or are in intensive care.

Jiang Jie, head of First Hospital of Xiamen University, said, "In general, our patients are now in a stable condition. We will treat them with proper plans and great care based on their individual situation."

The elevated road has been sealed since the fire started. Local residents were not allowed to use the service until Saturday morning.

Jinshan Station is about 500 meters from the scene. Bus services resumed at 7 o'clock Saturday morning, about 12 hours after the fire. The tragedy hasn't stopped people from using it, to get in and out of Xiamen Island.

Although bus services have resumed, it will take a while to finish the investigation.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)