KUNMING, March 4 -- Nine people have been killed and 10 others were injured after a fire engulfed an agricultural trade center early Wednesday morning in southwest China's Yunnan Province, said local fire authorities and government officials.

The fire broke out in three two-story buildings at the trade center located in Guandu District in the provincial capital of Kunming City, said a spokesman with the provincial public security fire control contingent.

The city's public security bureau received a report at 4:38 a.m.,according to a statement from the city's information office.

The blaze, which has been put out, destroyed more than 50 stores and burned an area covering more than 3,300 square meters, said the statement.

Three of the 10 injured who were rushed to the hospital have been discharged, it said.

An initial police investigation showed the fire was caused by an accident that occurred when a merchant was unloading goods.

The trade center, which covers three hectares, has more than 200 stores.