Injured individuals in stable condition after northeast China restaurant fire

SHENYANG, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Three individuals who were injured in a restaurant fire in Liaoyang City, northeast China's Liaoning Province, are now in stable condition, local authorities said Wednesday.

The blaze broke out at around 12:25 p.m. Tuesday at an eatery in Baita District, killing 22 people. Police have detained the restaurant operator for investigation.

Preliminary findings by local public security authorities have excluded gas explosions and arson as causes.

"Investigators are prioritizing discarded cigarette butts and electrical failures," said Guo Yunfeng, the city's mayor, at a Wednesday press briefing, adding that flammable interior materials and strong winds likely intensified the fire, obstructing exits and leading to lethal toxic fume exposure.

Medical teams are providing specialized care, including counseling and therapy, to the injured and their families. The investigation is still ongoing. ■