China house collapse kills 16 during banquet

Beijing, May 30: A new house in northern China collapsed and killed at least 16 people during a banquet being held to celebrate its completion, state media reported today.

Yang Hongyi, a resident of Wulanji, a village in northern Inner Mongolia, held the banquet yesterday, inviting more than 50 people who had helped build the house.

More than 40 people were buried in the collapse and 30 suffered injuries, Xinhua news agency said.

The roof beams had been put up that afternoon, Xinhua said, citing rescuers.

The accident is under investigation.

Reuters>