By Johannes Neudecker

Liaoyang (China) - A terrible restaurant fire in China!

At least 22 people have died in a fire at a restaurant in north-east China.

A further three people were injured in the fire, which was reported at around 12.25 p.m. local time in the city of Liaoyang, Chinese state television reported.

During his inspection tour in Shanghai, China's state and party leader Xi Jinping (71) instructed the emergency services to do everything possible to treat the injured and look after the victims' families.

According to Chinese state media, the fire broke out around midday (local time). No information was initially available on the cause of the fire.

Building fires occur again and again in China, often because safety regulations were not adhered to. Liaoyang is located south of the major city of Shenyang in Liaoning province. According to official figures, around 1.83 million people live in the city and its surrounding area.

News of the fatal fire reached China ahead of the Labor Day holiday on May 1, a time when people in the People's Republic often travel. Xi ordered the cause of the fire to be clarified as quickly as possible.

The Chinese president also called on all regions to ensure safety and prevent dangers due to the upcoming travel period.

First reported: April 29, 11:39 a.m.; updated: April 29, 3:33 p.m.