A devastating fire ripped through a restaurant in Liaoyang City, Liaoning Province, on Tuesday afternoon, killing 22 people and injuring three, state media reported.

The blaze, which erupted around 12:25 p.m. in a residential area, was brought under control by emergency responders, but not before causing significant loss of life.

According to state broadcaster CCTV, the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Preliminary reports suggest it may have originated in the kitchen, possibly linked to open-flame cooking methods like wok braising or tabletop hot pot preparation. Authorities have yet to confirm these details.

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged “all-out efforts” to provide top medical care for the injured and called for stronger fire safety measures nationwide, Xinhua reported. The tragedy follows another deadly fire earlier this month, when 20 elderly residents perished in a nursing home blaze in Hebei Province on April 9.

China has faced a string of fatal fire-related accidents in recent years, often tied to outdated infrastructure, lax building code enforcement, and corruption. Notable incidents include a March 2024 gas leak explosion in a Hebei restaurant, which killed two and injured 26, and a September 2024 gas explosion in a Shenzhen high-rise that claimed one life.

Liaoyang, located in China’s industrial “rust belt,” is particularly vulnerable due to aging infrastructure and inadequate fire prevention systems. Tuesday’s fire has intensified public calls for stricter safety regulations, improved oversight of hazardous facilities, and accountability for negligence.

As investigations continue, the nation mourns the victims of the Liaoyang tragedy, with growing demands for reforms to prevent future catastrophes. (ILKHA)