NANCHANG -- At least 10 people were killed in a hotel fire Saturday morning in Nanchang, capital of East China's Jiangxi Province, firefighters said.

The fire, which broke out around 8 a.m. in the HNA Platinum Mix Hotel in Honggutan New District, was put out around 9:40 a.m. More than 10 construction workers were working on the second floor at the time.

Firefighters found seven bodies in debris, and three of the 16 hospitalized died despite medical efforts.

The four-story hotel is connected to a 24-story apartment building where over 260 residents were evacuated.

Seven people in connection with the case have been taken into police custody.

Initial investigations found the fire was caused by cutting of decoration materials, and further investigation is under way.