Chinese rescuers guard a closed area after an explosion in southwest China's Guizhou province, on January 13.

Story highlights

15 people have been killed in an explosion in a village in southern China

Victims had gathered at site to gamble

Cause of explosion is being investigated; 8 people have been detained

Eight injured are said to be in stable condition

CNN  — 

At least 15 people have been killed in an explosion in a village in southern China’s Guizhou province as they gathered to gamble, China’s state-run Xinhua news agency reported, citing local officials and police.

Eight people were injured in the blast, which occurred on a remote mountain slope in Laoshan village, near the city of Kaili on Monday afternoon. They were in a stable condition on Tuesday.

Xinhua said that eight suspects had been detained, including three who surrendered themselves to local police.

The cause of the blast wasn’t immediately reported. An investigation was under way, according to Xinhua.

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