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Five people died in a fire broke out at a nursing home in Qiqihar, Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province on Monday afternoon, according to a statement released on the official website of the Jianhua district government of Qiqihar on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the blaze occurred at around 3 pm on Monday at the Fanghuayiyang Nursing Home in Jianhua district. Firefighters, along with personnel from emergency response and health authorities, rushed to the scene to carry out rescue operations.

The open flames were extinguished by 3:19 pm. The incident resulted in five fatalities. An investigation into the cause of the fire and follow-up work are underway, per statement.

The Beijing News learned from the local emergency management bureau that as of around noon on Tuesday, four others were injured and sent to hospital. The Global Times learned from the local emergency management authorities that the number of injured is still being tallied, and further investigation results will be released in due course.

According the Beijing News, a nearby shop owner told reporters that the fire broke out on the afternoon of Monday. Thick smoke was seen billowing from the site, followed by the arrival of multiple fire engines. Several elderly residents were transported to hospital by ambulance.

Public records show that Fanghua Yiyang Nursing Home was established in 2019. It provides services for seniors who are able to care for themselves, those requiring partial assistance, and those who are fully dependent, offering daily care, medical and rehabilitation services, emotional support, and cultural and recreational activities, according to The Beijing News.

Global Times