11.   The equipment included diesel engines for border patrol ships, electrical cables and welding equipment, according to the U.S. Embassy information service.

12.   The fire began in the laundry section of the hotel where repair work with welding equipment was under way, the statement said.

13.   The welding equipment caught fire as the workers turned it on, and their clothes started burning immediately, Jakubec said.

14.   Witnesses said the blaze appeared to have been ignited by sparks from welding equipment being used for routine repair work.