The fire in Liaoyang was determined to be neither caused by a gas explosion nor by arson.

The press conference on the Liaoyang fire accident introduced that, after investigation, the fire started at the side of the entrance. There were no gas pipelines inside the restaurant, and three gas cylinders on the scene were intact. The cause of the fire was ruled out as a gas explosion, and the public security department ruled out the possibility of arson. The specific cause of the accident is still under investigation, focusing on discarded cigarette butts, electrical faults, and other factors. Preliminary analysis shows that the easily flammable furniture and decoration materials inside the restaurant, combined with strong outdoor winds, quickly sealed off the exits, making it difficult for trapped people indoors to escape. They suffocated and died from inhaling large amounts of toxic gas in a short period of time. Yesterday, at around 12:25 pm, a fire broke out at a restaurant in Baita District, Liaoyang City, Liaoning Province, causing 22 deaths and injuring 3 people.