Beijing, Dec 26 (IANS): Three students were killed in an explosion in the laboratory of Beijing Jiaotong University on Wednesday, news outlets here reported.
The incident occurred at 9.34 a.m when students from the Municipal Environmental Engineering Department of the university were conducting an experiment on sewage treatment.
The cause of the explosion was immediately not known and the authorities have launched an investigation, Xinhua news agency said.
Eight fire squadrons and 30 fire engines were sent to the scene.
According to The Beijing News, some students who were taking exams in a nearby building heard a loud explosion.
Their room also got filled with smoke which was billowing out from the varsity's building.
A statement from the university said the fire was brought under control within an hour and there were no other casualties, according to the South China Morning Post.