A deadly fire in northeastern China killed twenty-two people. The fire started around 12:25pm local time, and emergency services were quickly dispatched to the scene. Disturbing videos show the building completely destroyed by flames, with thick black smoke pouring out the windows and doors.
A fatal blaze has claimed 22 lives
On August 25, a catastrophic fire ripped through a restaurant in Liaoyang, in northeastern China’s Liaoning province, killing 22 people. The fire started around 12:25pm local time, quickly consuming the structure as horrified onlookers fled the scene. Emergency responders arrived quickly to combat the fire, but the rapid spread of flames throughout the structure hampered rescue efforts. Three more people were injured and transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. The incident was one of China’s deadliest restaurant fires in recent years.
Harrowing footage from the scene showed the full scope of the disaster, with intense flames engulfing the entire structure and thick black smoke billowing from every window and doorway. Witnesses can be seen in videos fleeing to safety as the fire spreads uncontrollably throughout the building. The restaurant, which appeared to be busy during lunchtime, quickly became a death trap as flames consumed the structure. Local authorities have not yet revealed how many customers were inside when the fire broke out.
#BREAKING 🚨
First images from the restaurant fire 🔥
22 people dead and 3 injured after a #fire broke out at a restaurant near a resettlement housing complex in Liaoyang, #Liaoning Province. The investigation is ongoing. #China #fire pic.twitter.com/WRelu9T8ov
— Nazlı Özdemir (@nazliiozdemr) April 29, 2025
Inquiry & Official Response
The cause of the deadly fire is unknown as investigators begin the process of determining what caused such a destructive fire. Officials have launched a thorough investigation to identify any potential safety violations, structural issues, or other factors that may have contributed to the high death toll. In recent years, China has seen a number of deadly fires, many of which have been linked to lax enforcement of safety codes and regulations. This latest tragedy will most likely increase scrutiny of safety practices in commercial establishments across the country as investigators work to determine how the disaster occurred.
The prompt response from China’s highest leadership demonstrates how seriously authorities are taking this incident. Local officials in Liaoning province have been directed to provide all necessary resources for treating the injured and assisting the victims’ families. President Xi’s direct involvement suggests that this case may prompt broader safety inspections and reviews of emergency protocols at similar establishments across the country. The Liaoyang local government has established an emergency response team to coordinate rescue efforts and provide assistance to victims’ families.
Apr 29: twenty-two people were killed and three injured in a fire at 厨娘é¥åº— (Chuniang Restaurant) in Baita District (白塔区), Liaoyang (辽阳), Liaoning province…
🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/1K2NTntTpj
— Byron Wan (@Byron_Wan) April 29, 2025
A series of deadly fires raises safety concerns
This tragedy follows a troubling pattern of deadly fires throughout China in recent years. Earlier this year, a hotel fire caused by an electrical short circuit claimed multiple lives, while in January, a shopping center blaze killed 16 people. The frequency of these incidents raises serious questions about building safety standards and the enforcement of fire regulations across the country. Many older buildings in China lack adequate fire suppression systems, emergency exits, and other critical safety features that could prevent such high casualty events.
The recurring nature of these incidents highlights potential systematic issues with fire safety enforcement throughout China. Safety advocates have long criticized the gap between China’s written regulations and their practical implementation, particularly in smaller cities and rural areas. While major metropolises like Beijing and Shanghai have strengthened enforcement in recent years, many second- and third-tier cities continue to struggle with consistent application of safety standards. This latest disaster may serve as another wake-up call for authorities to address these persistent safety challenges before more lives are lost.