(AGI) Beijing, Sept. 30 - Seven people were killed by multipleexplosions in at least 13 locations in southern China, with thedeath toll expected to rise in the coming hours. The 17 blasts,which also injured 51 people, took place on Wednesdayafternoon, a day before National Day, a public holiday to markthe founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Localpolice confirmed that the explosions were caused by parcelbombs placed in crowded places, including a shopping centre, asupermarket, a bus station, a hospital, a market, a hostel, aprison and a government office. No one has claimedresponsibility for the blasts. However, a 33-year-old local manwith the family name Wei was named by police as a suspect,Guangxi Daily said. Police labelled the act a "criminal case"and ruled out terrorism. The Ministry of Public Security hassent inspectors to the scene to coordinate investigations.Later in the day, another 60 suspicious packages were found inthe city of Liuzhou, the People's Daily reported. Localauthorities declared a state of emergency and issued a warningto residents not to open any packages received in the pastseveral hours. The explosions were heard throughout the cityand caused damage to several structures. A five-story buildingwas almost completely destroyed. Images uploaded online showcolumns of smoke in the city centre and debris along the roads.. .