At least 20 dead in fire at Chinese retirement home

19 residents were taken to hospital for treatment, according to the administration in Longhua County, where the retirement home is located. The police have arrested the person responsible for the facility as part of the investigation.

Government demands report

The authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire, as reported by state television. According to a statement, the State Council - China's government cabinet - intends to supervise the investigation and instructed the province to clarify the incident as quickly as possible and submit an investigation report.

Meanwhile, no further details of the fatalities were initially available. A total of 39 people were living in the affected building at the time of the fire, as reported by the official Xinhua news agency. According to local media, the scene was cordoned off over a wide area.

Ministry refers to regulations

In a post on China's social media, the Chinese Ministry of Civil Protection referred to safety regulations for retirement homes. Elderly people are less mobile, which is why more people could die or be injured in fires in care facilities.