22 killed, 3 hurt in fire at China restaurant

Twenty-two people were killed in a restaurant fire in Liaoyang city of China's Liaoning province on Tuesday. The fire broke out at 12.25 pm, killing 22 people and injuring three others, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

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There are no details about the incident, including the cause of the fire. AP reports the restaurant's manager was in police custody as part of the investigation. Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged all-out efforts to treat those injured.

He called for efforts to properly handle affairs related to the victims and console their families, promptly identify the cause of the fire, and hold those responsible to account per the law.

Xi also stressed the importance of forestalling major accidents to ensure public safety and social stability as the May Day holiday approaches, Xinhua reported. China celebrates May Day with five holidays. Premier Li Qiang also urged full-scale rescue and treatment, adding that local authorities across the country should screen for safety hazards.