XI'AN, Jan. 22 -- About five doctors and nurses were injured, one seriously, on Tuesday in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, the latest victims of China's increasing violent dispute between patients and hospitals.

Shattered glass, paper and shredded curtains were scattered around an office in the inpatient building of Xi'an Municipal Central Hospital. A witness told Xinhua that more than 20 people with iron bars burst into the fourth floor of the building on Tuesday afternoon, hitting medical staff and smashing objects.

Witnesses said security guards at the hospital were overwhelmed in the fight, while two local police were also injured.

A staff member with the hospital's administrative affairs office confirmed the incident with Xinhua but refused to disclose more details.

The staff member, surnamed Zhou, said provincial health authorities and the hospital are discussing how to respond to the incident and determined to protect medical staff.

Another staff member told Xinhua that the incident was likely the result of a dispute between the hospital and relatives of a meningitis patient, who died in the hospital earlier.

The staff member added that the doctor treating the patient was severely injured, and other medical staff members suffered bruises.

A spokesperson with Xi'an police said local police have opened an investigation into the incident.