22 Dead, Injuries Reported in Liaoning Restaurant Fire

A restaurant fire in Liaoyang, northeastern China's Liaoning province, killed 22 people and injured three others, with investigations ruling out gas explosion and arson as causes. The blaze, which erupted near the main entrance and spread rapidly due to strong winds and flammable decorations, trapped many diners inside, with an apparent lack of emergency exits contributing to the tragedy. Chinese President Xi Jinping called for urgent measures to ensure public safety during the upcoming May Day holiday, urging authorities to prevent further major accidents and to treat the injured, identify the cause, and hold those responsible accountable. The restaurant’s manager has been detained by police as part of the ongoing investigation, which is now focusing on discarded cigarettes and electrical faults as potential causes. Industrial accidents remain frequent in China, often attributed to inadequate safety measures and training. Emergency response included dispatching 22 firetrucks and 85 firefighters to the scene, with rescue operations quickly concluded and a national work safety team guiding the investigation.