A fire at a karaoke bar in Qingyuan City in southern China has killed 18 people and injured another five, according to the official Xinhua news agency.

Police say arson is the most likely cause of the fire at the three-storey building and have captured a man suspected to have started the blaze.

He reportedly got into an argument at the venue and blocked the entrance with a motorbike.

The 32-year-old was arrested shortly after authorities offered a reward for information.

The public security bureau of Qingyuan City said police first received a call about the incident after midnight local time on Tuesday.


It said police, fire, health and other departments all responded and that the blaze was put out at 12:55am.

The injured were taken to hospital for treatment.

Karaoke is a popular activity in China, with even shopping centres featuring booths where people can sit and sing their favourite songs.

The lounge where the fire occurred was small, with only one corridor to get in and out, state TV CCTV reported.

Deadly fires are not uncommon in China, where safety regulations are often ignored.

In 2015 a nursing home fire that killed 38 people sparked an overhaul of safety standards in China.

Firefighters and government staff were among 21 people jailed over the fire.

An official report found the building had poorly-designed fire exits, while safety checks, fire and electricity management, and the emergency response system were all found lacking.