[Warning: this post contains graphic images which may be upsetting to some readers]

A fire suspected to be arson onboard a public bus in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province has injured 32 people, five of which are in serious condition, reported Caijing.

The fire broke out on the #7 public bus at around 5pm at the intersection of Qingchun Road and Dongpo Road in an area next to the city’s famous West Lake.

The Hangzhou Public Security Bureau said there were 80 passengers on board the bus.

Miss Cheng, 16, sustained burn injuries from the fire. Cheng said many people on board were arguing with a middle-aged man wearing a backpack right before the fire started. At least two people have already been noted for their bravery in trying to rescue people on board.

The first is Mr Li, who owns the Qiantang magazine kiosk right in front of the burning bus. When he saw smoke and flames, Li took a chair and tried to smash the bus windows to free the passengers trapped inside, and then helped people get down. Li also tried to use a fire extinguisher.

The second is Mr Tang, who was passing by when the incident occurred. He took the lock from his electric scooter and tried to use it to break the bus windows in order to help passengers escape the burning vehicle.

Reports describe the engine and the chasis of the bus as not sustaining any damage from the fire, suggesting the fire didn’t originate from within the bus’ mechanics. Instead, damage to the bus is said to be most extensive in the middle of the bus.

Police have announced they have identified an arson suspect based upon eyewitness accounts, evidence and surveillance video.

The following eyewitness video shows a scene of chaos as several people rush to try to free the people trapped in the burning bus by using such objects as a sidewalk sign:

Photos: China News, People’s Daily, China Daily, Caijing (2), Guangzhou Live