Authorities on Wednesday ruled out a gas explosion and arson as possible causes of the restaurant fire that killed 22 people and injured three others in northeast China's Liaoning Province on Tuesday.
The fatal blaze started at 12:25 on Tuesday in the restaurant in Liaoyang City’s Baita District. The operator of the establishment has been detained by police, local authorities said at a press conference, where the attendees observed a minute of silence for the victims.
"Investigations have found that the fire broke out from the side of the entrance, and there were no gas pipelines installed inside the restaurant. The three gas cylinders in the restaurant were in good condition. Gas explosion and arson have been ruled out as causes of the restaurant fire, and the specific cause of the accident is under investigation. Investigators are conducting investigations around leftover cigarette butts and electrical faults as possible causes. According to preliminary analysis, the blaze was accelerated by furnishings in the restaurant that were made from flammable materials along with strong winds, and the fire obstructed the exits very quickly and trapped the victims inside. They died from suffocation after inhaling a large amount of toxic fumes in a short period of time," said Guo Yunfeng, deputy Party chief of Liaoyang City.
"We have established 25 special working teams to serve the 25 people killed or injured in the fire. Each of the teams consists of one county-level official and four other members, so as to properly carry out the follow-up work, listen to relevant demands, and pacify all the relatives of the victims," said Zhu Ya, deputy Party chief of Baita District.
Gas explosion, arson ruled out in deadly Liaoning restaurant fire
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
