Beijing: A tragic fire broke out at a restaurant in Liaoyang City, northeastern China, on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of 22 individuals, according to China’s state news agency Xinhua. The incident adds to a growing list of fatal fires in the country in recent years.
The blaze ignited at around 12:25 p.m. local time (0425 GMT) in a dining establishment situated in a residential district, as reported by state broadcaster CCTV. In addition to the fatalities, three individuals sustained injuries.
Although the cause of the fire has not yet been officially disclosed, President Xi Jinping described the event as a “profound warning” and urged swift medical attention for the wounded, a thorough investigation into the cause, and accountability for those deemed responsible.
Dramatic footage shared on platforms such as X and China’s Douyin showed intense flames consuming the ground floor of a building, with thick smoke rising into the sky and emergency responders assisting victims.
Liaoning provincial party secretary Hao Peng confirmed that 85 firefighters and 22 fire trucks responded to the emergency. The fire has since been contained, and all nearby residents were safely evacuated.
This tragedy follows a string of similar incidents. Just earlier this month where 20 lives were lost in a nursing home blaze in Hebei province. Last year, gas-related explosions led to fatalities and injuries in separate accidents, including a deadly restaurant blast and an explosion in a Shenzhen high-rise.
