Inferno in Liaoyang: 22 Dead in Restaurant Blaze as Fire Guts City-Centre Building
&nbsp;
A deadly fire erupted in a restaurant in Liaoyang city, northeast China's Liaoning Province, around midday on Tuesday, claiming 22 lives and injuring three others.
The blaze, which broke out at approximately 12:25 p.m. local time, quickly engulfed the two-to-three-storey structure, sending flames and thick smoke billowing from windows and doorways. The restaurant, located in a densely populated residential area, was rapidly overwhelmed, leaving little time for those inside to escape.
Firefighting units rushed to the scene, battling the intense flames for hours before finally extinguishing the blaze. Search-and-rescue operations were concluded by late afternoon, with authorities confirming that no further survivors were found within the charred remains of the building.
While the official cause of the fire has yet to be disclosed, preliminary speculation points to the possibility of a kitchen-originated ignition. Local observers note that many traditional restaurants in the region continue to rely on open-flame cooking methods, including iron wok braising and hot pot setups with direct heat at dining tables&mdash;practices that could heighten fire risk if safety protocols are not strictly observed.
The incident adds to a troubling pattern of industrial and urban fires across China, often linked to inadequate safety training, outdated infrastructure, or poor enforcement of building regulations. Earlier this month, a fire in a nursing home in Hebei Province claimed 20 lives, drawing renewed scrutiny of safety standards in ageing facilities.
Liaoyang, part of China&rsquo;s old industrial "rust belt," is home to numerous ageing buildings and legacy infrastructure. Fire safety systems in such areas often lag behind modern standards, compounding the risk of catastrophic incidents.
Local officials, including senior provincial leaders, have visited the site and pledged a thorough investigation. A commitment was made to hold accountable those found negligent and to implement stricter fire prevention measures across the region.
The three injured individuals remain hospitalised, and their conditions are currently being monitored. Emergency services continue to secure the site as forensic teams begin assessing the cause of the fire.
Authorities are expected to release further details following the conclusion of initial investigations.

Fire erupted in a restaurant in Liaoyang city

Blaze erupts at lunchtime in ageing city-centre building; cause under investigation

22 Killed in Restaurant Fire in China's Liaoyang

Blaze erupts at lunchtime in ageing city-centre building; cause under investigation

April 29, 2025 | 17:06 IST