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A suicide bomber killed himself and injured 18 people on Wednesday night in a public square in Guilin, a tourist resort in southwestern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Xinhua news agency said.
The explosion took place in the city's Central Square at 9:35 p.m.
Police said it was caused by "an unidentified man who set off explosives to kill himself." Of the injured, one remained in critical condition yesterday.
The others, only slightly hurt, were discharged from hospitals after being treated.
Local authorities ordered all-out efforts to ensure safety in the city for the rest of the weeklong National Day holiday.
Police said yesterday they had difficulties in identifying the person who set off the explosion and died has as he carried no proof of identification.
Investigations are still underway.
Guilin is a prime Chinese tourist attraction, famous for its mountain and river vistas.
Two of the city's scenic spots attracted more than 10,800 tourists on Tuesday, the National Day.
The city had predicted that Wednesday and yesterday would be the peak period for visits.
Central Square, in downtown Guilin, has what is claimed to be the world's tallest manmade waterfall, with a drop of 45 meters.
Luo Shijie, who lives near the site of the explosion on Wednesday night, said that though local residents were all talking about the incident, they were still leading their normal lives, "going to work, shopping, and taking outings as usual."
(eastday.com October 4, 2002)
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