Gas explosion, arson ruled out as causes of northern China restaurant fire that killed 22, injured 3

Official reports say authorities in northern China have ruled out a gas explosion or arson as possible causes of a restaurant fire that killed 22 people and prompted a call from the country's leader Xi Jinping to focus on safety during the upcoming May Day holiday. Xi called for measures to prevent major accidents to “ensure public safety and social stability” during the upcoming five-day May Day holiday, in a directive carried by state media following the restaurant fire.