The group's second hotel in China has been severely damaged by a fire blaze on Monday evening.

The fire was initially reported on the roof of the building and spread rapidly to the side and the inside of the structure.

The hotel which is prominently located next to the CCTV tower, a complex housing the future headquarters of the state broadcaster China Central Television and the city's third ring road was scheduled to open third quarter 2009.

Seven people including six firefighters were injured in a fire. The CCTV tower itself was spared and not damaged.

The cause of the fire has not been determine as yet however initial reports state that the fire was caused by fire works. Monday night was the last evening of Chinese Lunar New Year whereby it is the tradition to set off a lot of firework throughout the night.

The hotel & CCTV was designed by the famous Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas.

YouTude: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3B1OnhSucP8

Company's Statement in response to the fire at the development site of Mandarin Oriental, Beijing

Mandarin Oriental, Beijing was scheduled to open in the summer of 2009. The property currently employs 60 staff, all of whom work in pre-opening offices near to the hotel, which were empty at the time of the fire. Mandarin Oriental has signed a long-term contract to manage the hotel and has no ownership interest in the building.

Our local management team are doing all they can to help the authorities to ensure the safety and security of everyone involved. It is too early at the present stage to assess the damage, but we will make further updates as soon as we have more information.

Image Sources:

1. The MO building can be seen on the right when still under contruction ~ Google Images

2. National Geographic - http://news.nationalgeographic.com