BEIJING — A fire at a nursing home in northern China has killed 20 people, according to state media, as officials investigate the cause of the fire.

China’s official Xinhua news agency said Wednesday the fire started at 9 p.m. Tuesday in Chengde city in Hebei province. Six hours later, 20 people were confirmed dead.

State broadcaster CCTV said 19 others, who were uninjured, have been transferred to a hospital for observation.

Officials are investigating the cause of the fire. State media said a “relevant” person in charge of the facility has been taken in by police, without giving any details.

In January, a fire at a food market in the Hebei city of Zhangjiakou killed eight people and injured 15 others.

Gregg Sarra sounds off on Wantagh vs. Bethpage and Ward Melville vs Sachem North, plus Michaeil Sicoli has his Nassau soccer picks, an update on the high school fantasy football standings and the plays of the week. Credit: Newsday/John Paraskevas; Anthony Santino

Sarra Sounds Off, Season 3, Ep 5: Top football teams in action and Nassau soccer playoff picks Gregg Sarra sounds off on Wantagh vs. Bethpage and Ward Melville vs Sachem North, plus Michaeil Sicoli has his Nassau soccer picks, an update on the high school fantasy football standings and the plays of the week.

Gregg Sarra sounds off on Wantagh vs. Bethpage and Ward Melville vs Sachem North, plus Michaeil Sicoli has his Nassau soccer picks, an update on the high school fantasy football standings and the plays of the week. Credit: Newsday/John Paraskevas; Anthony Santino

Sarra Sounds Off, Season 3, Ep 5: Top football teams in action and Nassau soccer playoff picks Gregg Sarra sounds off on Wantagh vs. Bethpage and Ward Melville vs Sachem North, plus Michaeil Sicoli has his Nassau soccer picks, an update on the high school fantasy football standings and the plays of the week.

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