Fire Claims 22 Lives in Restaurant Blaze in Northeastern China
A tragic fire in a restaurant located in northeastern China claimed the lives of 22 individuals and left three others injured on Tuesday, according to reports from state-run media in Beijing. Dramatic footage circulating online captured the intense flames engulfing the building.
The inferno broke out during lunchtime in Liaoyang City, approximately 360 miles (580 kilometers) northeast of Beijing, as reported by the Chinese news outlet CCTV.
The broadcaster confirmed that the fire resulted in 22 fatalities and three injuries.
In response to the tragedy, President Xi Jinping acknowledged the "significant casualties" and emphasized the need to take the "profoundly serious" lessons to heart. Xi called for immediate action to tend to the injured, manage the aftermath for the deceased, and support their families. He stressed the importance of quickly identifying the cause of the fire and ensuring accountability under the law.
Videos verified by AFP depicted scenes of the two-story restaurant engulfed in flames, with thick smoke billowing into the sky. Additional clips, shared on Douyin—the Chinese equivalent of TikTok—showed paramedics transporting a victim on a stretcher to an ambulance, while firefighters fought valiantly against the flames.
From above the chaotic scene, another video revealed multiple fire engines stationed outside the restaurant.
A nearby restaurant employee shared her experience with AFP, stating she had remained indoors and was unaware of the disaster until she read news articles about it. "We didn’t realize anything was happening and carried on with our day," she recounted.
She also mentioned hearing sirens and noted the continued presence of police near her establishment. "It’s definitely a tragic situation," she reflected.
Deadly fires are unfortunately not uncommon in China, attributed to inadequate building regulations and a general lack of attention to workplace safety.
