Injured victims of Liaoyang fire cleared from hospital

The three people who were injured in the deadly fire at a restaurant in Liaoyang, Liaoning province, are now out of life-threatening danger after intensive treatment, Wang Yajie, director of the Liaoyang city's health commission, confirmed at a Wednesday news briefing.

Mayor Guo Yunfeng said the blaze was reported at around 12:25 pm on Tuesday and was extinguished by around 12:43 pm. It broke out in a restaurant in the commercial area of a housing complex, claiming 22 lives and injuring three others, according to local government.

In response, provincial and municipal governments have established seven working groups to handle accident investigation, medical assistance, accountability and other tasks, and have deployed 25 dedicated teams. Each injured person is now supported by a dedicated unit to ensure timely treatment and follow-up. "Our goal is to restore dignity to the deceased, care for the injured, comfort bereaved families and maintain public confidence," Guo said.

All attendees at the briefing stood in silent tribute to honor the victims.

Zhang Tongtong contributed to this story.