Liaoning fire: Report urges legal action against restaurant operator and seven others

The Liaoning provincial emergency management department released a comprehensive report later on Sunday detailing the findings of an investigation into a catastrophic fire at the Sanli Chuniang Restaurant in Liaoyang, Liaoning province, earlier this year. The blaze, which claimed 22 lives and injured three others, highlighted severe lapses in safety protocols and regulatory oversight.

The report urged legal action against the restaurant operator and seven other individuals, citing their roles in the incident. Additionally, a separate inquiry is expected to hold 40 public officials accountable for failing to prevent the tragedy.

The investigation concluded that the fire was a major production safety liability incident, primarily due to the restaurant's neglect of its safety responsibilities. Key contributing factors included unauthorized modifications and expansions using flammable aluminum composite panels, improper storage of combustible waste, careless disposal of cigarette butts by patrons, substandard insulation materials, and delayed maintenance of firefighting equipment. Local authorities were also criticized for their inadequate initial response and failure to fulfill regulatory duties.

According to the report, at about 12:20 pm on April 29, the deadly fire was ignited by a cigarette butt discarded by a restaurant patron surnamed Wang. The cigarette, driven by the wind, landed in a maintenance opening beneath the aluminum panel ventilation duct, igniting packaging boxes and other waste. The fire quickly spread through the restaurant's facade and the building's polystyrene insulation boards.

The State Council's Work Safety Committee took over direct oversight of the investigation, underscoring the incident's severity.

The investigation team found that local authorities and relevant departments demonstrated insufficient awareness and capability to prevent and mitigate major safety risks. The business entity prioritized development over safety, allowing hidden dangers to escalate into a deadly accident. Regulatory bodies, including those overseeing housing construction, natural resources, commerce, and fire services, were found to have focused solely on legal activities, neglecting illegal practices.

In response, the local commission for discipline inspection and supervision has launched a task force to ensure accountability, aiming to hold 40 public officials responsible according to established regulations and laws.

As the legal process unfolds, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of rigorous safety practices and vigilant regulatory oversight in protecting lives.