BEIJING: A fire early Saturday at a hotel in China has left at least 18 people dead and 19 injured, according to state media, reports AFP.

The blaze broke out during the night at the hotel in Harbin, capital of the northeastern Heilongjiang province, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

“By the latest count, 18 people have been found dead and 19 have been taken to hospital,” the agency said, citing local authorities.

Images of the gutted hotel and spa appeared on state broadcaster CCTV, showing blackened walls, twisted metal structures and parts of the ceiling hanging precariously.

Those hospitalised had inhaled toxic smoke or suffered burns, CCTV said, adding that an investigation is underway into the cause of the fire. Deadly fires are common in China, where fire security regulations are routinely neglected.