A devastating blaze has claimed at least 22 lives after a fire erupted at a restaurant in Liaoyang, located in northeast China. The tragic incident occurred around 12:25 p.m. local time, according to reports.

Alarming footage shared on social media shows the multi-storey restaurant completely engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke billowing from windows and doors. Onlookers can be seen fleeing in fear while others watched in shock as the fire raged uncontrollably.

Emergency services responded swiftly, deploying teams to battle the inferno and prevent its spread. In addition to the 22 confirmed fatalities, at least three individuals have been reported injured. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire, but an official investigation is currently underway.

President Xi Jinping has issued directives to ensure immediate medical treatment for the injured and emphasized the need for thorough safety inspections to prevent future incidents.

This tragic event follows several recent fire disasters across China. In August last year, a hotel blaze—sparked by an electrical short circuit in a rooftop billboard—set a high-rise building alight, though fortunately no casualties were reported.

Just weeks before that, a major fire engulfed a 14-storey shopping mall in Zigong, Sichuan province, leading to the deaths of 16 people. Emergency personnel rescued 75 people during that incident.

These repeated fire tragedies have sparked national concerns about building safety standards and fire preparedness across the country.