China’s official Xinhua news agency reported that the fire started at 9 p.m. Tuesday, Apr. 8, at the nursing home, which was located in Chengde city in Hebei province. Hours after the fire was first reported, it was confirmed that 20 people were killed in the incident.
Meanwhile, 19 people survived the nursing home fire and were taken to a nearby hospital for observation.
As law enforcement investigates the tragedy, State media reported that a “relevant” person in charge of the facility has been taken into custody. However, no further details about the person or the incident have been given.