Beijing, China — China’s State Council Work Safety Committee announced on Wednesday that it will oversee an investigation into a tragic nursing home fire in Hebei Province that has claimed the lives of 20 elderly residents.
The devastating blaze erupted around 9 p.m. on Tuesday at a privately-run nursing home in Longhua County, Chengde City. At the time, 39 elderly residents were inside the facility. Firefighters battled the flames and managed to extinguish the fire by approximately 11 p.m.
By 3 a.m. on Wednesday, authorities confirmed that 20 people had perished in the fire. The remaining 19 residents were transported to a local hospital for examination and are reported to be in stable condition.
The person responsible for managing the nursing home has been detained by the police as part of the ongoing investigation. The State Council has urged Hebei Province officials to promptly determine the cause of the fire and implement measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
This incident has sparked nationwide concern over the safety standards of elderly care facilities. Many are calling for stricter regulations and improved safety protocols to protect some of the most vulnerable members of society.
Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected by this tragic event.
