China's Central Television(CCTV) had to make public apology on Tuesday for an unlicensed fireworks display which investigators said had sparked a huge fire that destroyed a luxury hotel complex, in which it was housed.
The State run television had just moved into the 30-story building, still unfinished, when the fire took place and sent smoke and embers flying killing one firefighter and injuring seven others, Xinhua news agency reported.
The television staff was celebrating the Lunar New Year during which the management organised an unlicensed spectacular fire work display, which led to the huge fire and damaged 80 per cent of the building.
"Fireworks which were used were much more powerful and carried more explosives than are available at roadside stall during the spring festival and therefore needed approval from the municipal authorities", Luo Yuan, the spokesman of the Beijing Fire Control Bureau was quoted as saying.
"We have videos of the scene and remnants of the fireworks, which will serve as strong evidence in the investigations," a police official said.
The sprawling complex, designed by a Rotterdam based company, was build with a total investment of USD 714 million.
600 firemen had to battle to put out the fire which broke out at 8.27 pm (local time) on Monday and was only extinguished by 2 am.
