BEIJING: A devastating fire broke out at a restaurant in Liaoyang City, located in northeastern China’s Liaoning Province, on Tuesday, leaving 22 people dead and three others injured.
The incident, which occurred at 12:25 pm local time, has been labeled as one of the deadliest in recent memory in China.
The blaze ignited in a ground-floor eatery situated in a densely populated residential area, causing widespread panic and chaos. The flames rapidly engulfed the restaurant, while thick black smoke billowed into the air, as shown in footage shared widely across Chinese social media platforms. Paramedics and emergency services were seen treating victims, many of whom were rushed to the hospital on stretchers.
According to local authorities, emergency crews responded swiftly to the disaster, with 22 fire engines and 85 firefighters dispatched to the scene. The fire was successfully contained, and authorities confirmed that rescue efforts had been completed, with people evacuated from the building. However, 22 people tragically lost their lives in the inferno, and three others sustained injuries.
State media reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, calling it “a deeply sobering lesson.” He urged local authorities to conduct a swift and thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and ensure those responsible for the tragedy are held accountable. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but initial reports have not provided further details.
The fatal fire in Liaoyang comes amid increasing concerns over fire safety protocols in public venues across China. Just last month, another fire at a nursing home in Hebei Province claimed the lives of 20 elderly residents. Additionally, the country has witnessed multiple deadly explosions and accidents in the past year, including gas leaks in public buildings and residential complexes.
The tragic fire has highlighted the urgent need for stricter fire safety regulations, especially in public spaces that are heavily frequented by residents. As investigations continue, authorities are expected to assess fire safety compliance across businesses and public facilities to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
