MEXICO CITY, May 17 (Xinhua) -- Seven people, including five children, were killed early Saturday morning in a house fire in Saltillo, a city in the northern Mexican state of Coahuila, local media reported.
The fire broke out around 4 a.m. (1000 GMT) and spread rapidly due to flammable materials such as acetone, solvents and paint used for cosmetic purposes inside the home.
Authorities identified the victims as two women aged 64 and 28, and five children aged five to 15. Three others were injured and taken to local hospitals.
Investigators believe the blaze was likely sparked by a candle that came into contact with the flammable products. Firefighters, police and emergency crews rushed to the scene and extinguished the flames.
Coahuila state authorities have urged residents to take extra precautions when using candles and storing hazardous materials at home. ■
