22 killed in restaurant fire in northeastern China

Alsharq Tribune- China News 

Chinese media say a fire broke out at a restaurant in the northeastern Chinese province of Liaoning on Tuesday, killing 22 people and injuring three others.

The state-run Xinhua News Agency and other media outlets say the restaurant is located in the city of Liaoyang and the fire started shortly past noon.

Footage from the scene shows intense flames and black smoke billowing into the air.

Firefighters have reportedly put out the blaze.

A local media outlet says the restaurant is a two-story building. It quotes a witness as saying strong winds were blowing when the fire started and the flames spread quickly.

Police have detained the operator of the restaurant. They are looking into the cause of the fire.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered authorities to promptly identify the cause of the fire and for those responsible to be held strictly accountable in accordance with the law.

He also stressed the importance of ensuring public safety and social stability as China is about to enter the May Day holiday period starting on Thursday.