Shenzhen market fire kills 16

Fire fighters are still clearing the ember after a fire killed 16 people in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, Dec 11, 2013. The fire broke out in a market at about 1 am. [Photo by Bei Chen/Asianewsphoto]

SHENZHEN - The death toll in a market fire in south China's Shenzhen Wednesday morning rose to 16, when fire fighters found another body in the debris.

Zhang Xiaowei, spokesman for the city fire department, said all of the victims were people occupying four stores in Rongjian Farmers' Market.

The fire broke out in the wholesale market in Guangming New District at about 1:30 a.m.. It was contained in about two hours, but not before engulfing an area of 1,000 square meters.

The fire department sent 29 fire engines carrying 145 fire fighters to the scene. Five people injured in fire were taken to hospital.

The spokesman said commercial tenants worked and boarded in the stores in the market.

An investigation is underway.