Human-bomb drama
A GUANGZHOU factory worker strapped explosives to his body in a bid to extort 4,000 yuan (HK$3,729) from his former boss and run away with a female worker.
Guangzhou police received a report on New Year's Eve that a man from Hunan who worked in a clothing factory in the Shahe district had turned himself into a human bomb after being fired by his boss.
Li Jiancheng began work in the factory early last year. However, he had recently quarrelled with his boss and was laid off.
After reaching the factory, a police officer tried to negotiate with Li who threatened to detonate the explosives unless he was allowed to have 4,000 yuan and run away with a female worker, also from Hunan.
Police told the factory owner to pretend to meet his request by giving him 3,000 yuan.
Li then ran off, but was caught later by police officers who had hidden behind a large lorry.
The cause of the event was still under investigation but it was believed Li was trying to take revenge after he was fired.
