A devastating fire at an elderly care home in northern China has claimed the lives of 20 people, according to local authorities.
The blaze broke out late Tuesday night at a care facility located in Longhua County, part of Chengde City in Hebei Province, the official Xinhua News Agency reported on Wednesday.
Preliminary data confirmed that 20 residents died as a result of the fire. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the tragedy, and further updates are expected as the situation develops.
The incident has raised serious concerns about safety standards at care homes across China, where similar fires in the past have highlighted the urgent need for improved fire prevention measures in facilities housing vulnerable populations.
Officials have pledged a thorough investigation and additional inspections of elderly care homes throughout the region to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The local community is mourning the loss, and support services have been mobilized for the families of the victims.
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