A fire broke out at about 6:20 p.m. on June 7 on a BRT (bus rapid transit) bus in Xiamen, southeast Fujian Province, killing 47 and injured 34.

The bus was near its 95-person capacity when the fire occurred. Investigators noted the tires and fuel tank of the bus were undamaged and detected traces of gasoline despite the bus being equipped with a diesel engine, leading local police to suspect arson.

Further investigation and DNA evidence identified 59-year-old Chen Shuizong among the passengers who died in the blaze. Xiamen police found notes in Chen's house, which showed that the suspect was pessimistic about his life, and planned the arson to vent personal grievances.