Public debate over fireworks is taking over China’s online chatter, ignited by Monday’s tragic blaze in central Beijing which left one of China’s most treasured modern buildings in cinders, killing one fireman and injuring several bystanders. Police on Thursday announced they had detained 12 people, including four employees of China’s state television station CCTV. They are being held as suspects for setting off large firecrackers next to the newly constructed Mandarin Oriental Hotel, a flagship property of the hotel chain.
