State Council watching over probe of deadly fire

The Work Safety Commission of China's State Council is overseeing an investigation into a fire at an elderly care facility in Chengde, Hebei province, that killed 20 people, authorities said on Wednesday.

The fire broke out at around 9:48 pm on Tuesday at the Guo'en Elderly Care Facility in Longhua county and was extinguished by 11 pm. Fire and rescue teams, emergency management officials, police and healthcare workers were dispatched to the scene.

In addition to the 20 confirmed deaths, 19 people were hospitalized for observation but were unharmed, officials said.

Authorities said those responsible for the facility have been taken into custody, and investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. Support efforts for victims' families are also underway.

Longhua is about 200 kilometers northeast of downtown Beijing.

The Work Safety Commission issued a notice to the Hebei provincial government on Wednesday, ordering local authorities to expedite the investigation in line with laws and regulations. Officials must determine the causes and liabilities at all stages and propose corrective measures, the notice said.

Furthermore, Hebei authorities must formally conclude the case and release the findings to the public after receiving approval, it added.