The fire occurred after midnight on Saturday morning at a garbage collection station in a residential compound in Shijiao Township, Qingyuan City, the local government said, Xinhua news agency reported.

Preliminary investigation showed that fireworks residue initially caused the fire. When three workers were trying to put out the flames, an explosion occurred, killing more people living nearby.

The victims were workers at the station and their families, who lived in makeshift wooden rooms in an attic on the second floor.

The garbage burnt quickly and discharged heavy smoke. The victims were unable to escape, the statement said.

The injured man jumped from the attic. He suffered serious burns and is in hospital for treatment. Police have the suspects believed to be responsible in custody and further investigation is underway.