25 emergency task forces established to assist Liaoyang fire victims

A total of 25 emergency task forces have been established in Baita district, Liaoyang city to coordinate medical care, victim assistance, and family support following a fire that claimed 22 lives on Tuesday, officials announced on Wednesday.

Each task force, led by a senior official and consisting of four workers, is responsible for handling each victim's treatment, arranging for their aftermath, and providing family counseling, according to Zhu Ya, the district head of Baita.

The blaze broke out on Tuesday at a restaurant located near a residential relocation building comprising 12 buildings and 1,468 households in Baita district, Liaoyang city, Liaoning province.

Traffic police have secured major roads to facilitate the swift transportation of those injured, while 158 officials have been mobilized to assist grieving families and address their concerns.

Officials have since visited nearby businesses and residents to provide updates, offer reassurance, and inspect utilities for safety hazards, Zhu said.

"While managing the aftermath, we will immediately launch a comprehensive inspection and rectification campaign to eliminate all potential fire risks," he added.