A fire in a nightclub in Cameroon’s capital city of Yaounde has killed at least 16 people.
According to the country’s Minister of Communication, Rene Emmanuel Sadi, the tragedy occurred on Sunday at about 2:30 a.m. local time at Liv’s Night Club Yaouba.
He stated that the incident which was caused by explosions resulting from fireworks first consumed the ceiling of the building resulting in two explosions of high amplitude and caused panic and jostling among the people present inside the nightclub
Eight people were seriously injured and were rushed to the hospital.
Several government officials were said to have visited the site of the tragedy and announced the readiness of the government to support the victims.
The fire incident comes as the country hosts thousands of football players, fans and match officials from across the continent for a month-long African Football Cup of Nations tournament.
In a statement, Cameroon President Paul Biya called for calm and assured AFCON players and fans of their safety.
According to the police, nightclub fire disasters are regular in Cameroon, but the most recent incident is the deadliest in the Central African nation.