• Source:JND
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At least 22 individuals lost their lives and three others were injured in a devastating fire that erupted at a restaurant in Liaoyang city, situated in China's Liaoning province, on Tuesday afternoon, as per reports by state media.

The fire allegedly broke out at approximately 12:25 p.m. local time, with thick black smoke billowing from the windows and doors of the packed restaurant. Horrific images from the scene depicted frightened pedestrians running for their lives as the building was engulfed in flames, with emergency services rushing to the scene.

Cause Of Fire Still Unknown

Firemen and rescue personnel arrived at the location in a matter of minutes and were seen collecting firefighting equipment to engage the ferocious fire. Their services helped get the situation in check, even as the cause of the fire has yet to be determined. Regulatory agencies have opened an intensive probe into what ignited the blaze. Local officials reported that forensic investigators are conducting investigations at the location for clues. 

Xi Jinping Responds

Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered that victims wounded in the fire in Liaoyang should get medical care urgently. He further emphasized improving the safety mechanisms across public areas, especially in eating places and other crowded public centers.

Tuesday's disaster is the second major reported fire accident to occur in China this April. Previously, a fire broke out on April 9 at a care home in China's Hebei province and left 20 senior residents dead. That incident happened in Chengde city's Longhua county. It sent strong signals questioning standards of fire protection in facilities handling the aged around the nation. The Liaoyang blaze has once more drawn public debate concerning fire safety regulation and emergency preparedness, especially in high-density city centers.