A devastating fire ripped through a restaurant in Liaoyang, a city in China’s northeastern Liaoning province, yesterday at lunchtime. The blaze claimed 22 lives and injured three others. The fire broke out around 12:25 p.m. local time, engulfing the crowded eatery in flames.
Rescue Efforts
The local fire department sprang into action, dispatching 22 fire trucks and 85 personnel to the scene. They quickly brought the fire under control and searched for survivors. The rescue operation was completed shortly after.
Investigation Underway
The restaurant’s owner has been detained for questioning as authorities investigate the cause of the fire. No official explanation has been given yet.
Government Response
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences to the families of the victims. He urged authorities to do everything possible to care for the injured and to use this tragedy as a wake-up call to step up public safety measures. Hao Peng, Communist Party Secretary of Liaoning province, vowed that those responsible for the tragedy would be held accountable. A thorough investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire and to identify those responsible.