Agencies Beijing

A devastating fire tore through a restaurant in Liaoyang City, located in northeast China's Liaoning Province, on Tuesday afternoon, claiming the lives of 22 people and leaving three others injured. The cause of the blaze has not yet been disclosed as authorities continue investigations into the tragedy. The fire reportedly broke out at 12:25 p.m. local time in a restaurant situated within a residential area, state broadcaster CCTV said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for "all-out efforts" to ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical care and instructed officials to strengthen fire safety measures nationwide, Xinhua news agency reports.

This marks the second major fire tragedy in China this month. On April 9, 20 elderly residents were killed in a blaze that swept through a nursing home in Longhua county of Chengde city, in north China's Hebei province. A total of 39 people were inside the building when the fire started. China has witnessed several fatal accidents in recent years, often attributed to gas leaks, outdated infrastructure, or poor safety enforcement.