On February 9, 2009 a fire destroyed the new Mandarin Oriental hotel in Beijing, which was still under construction. Local residents who were busy celebrating the Lantern Festival with fireworks, took time away from their traditional festivities to enjoy the spectacle. Many onlookers took photos and were photographed smiling at the blaze.
One person died and seven others were injured.
More story and photos at Fire claims building at CCTV Beijing headquarters
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