A devastating fire at a restaurant in Liaoyang, a city in China’s northern Liaoning province, has claimed the lives of 22 people and left 3 others injured.
The fire, which erupted just after noon, engulfed a multi-story building, with flames seen leaping from its windows and doors.
While authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the blaze, industrial accidents in China are frequently linked to poor safety standards, inadequate training, and corruption. In the case of restaurant fires, traditional cooking methods involving open flames may pose additional risks.
The tragedy has cast a spotlight on Liaoning province, part of China’s “rust belt,” which has struggled with economic decline and a shrinking population in recent years. As investigations continue, calls for stricter safety regulations are likely to intensify.
