A devastating fire broke out at a restaurant in Liaoyang, a city in northeastern China’s Liaoning province, on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in 22 fatalities and three injuries. The blaze erupted shortly after noon in a multi-story building, with images showing large flames engulfing the structure. Firefighters responded promptly, and the fire was extinguished by 3 p.m., with search and rescue operations concluded shortly thereafter. The injured individuals were promptly taken to a hospital for treatment.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities have not yet disclosed any details. However, President Xi Jinping has expressed deep concern over the incident, describing it as a “deeply sobering lesson.” He has called for swift medical treatment for the injured, proper handling of the aftermath for the deceased, and a thorough investigation to determine the cause and hold responsible parties accountable.
This tragedy underscores ongoing concerns about fire safety in China, where lax enforcement of building codes and inadequate safety measures have led to numerous deadly incidents in recent years. The government has pledged to strengthen safety protocols and ensure accountability to prevent such disasters in the future.
