A fire that erupted at a restaurant near a residential complex in Liaoyang City of northeast China's Liaoning Province at Tuesday lunchtime has killed 22 people and left three others injured, according to local authorities.
The blaze broke out at 12:25 in the city's Baita District, sparking a large-scale emergency operation.
President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang have ordered a full investigation into the cause of the fire and have demanded accountability for those responsible. Authorities are also prioritizing medical care for the injured and support for victims' families.
The work safety authority under China's State Council called for an urgent investigation into the incident, seeking to speedily determine the causes of the fire.
In addition, a working group from the Ministry of Emergency Management also rushed to the affected area to guide investigation efforts.
The operator of the establishment has been detained by police, according to the city government.
Deadly restaurant fire claims 22 lives in China's Liaoning Province
