At least 16 people died and eight others were injured early yesterday in a fire that engulfed an upmarket nightclub in Cameroon’s capital Yaounde.

Reports say the statement from the government of Cameroon has confirmed that the incident was caused by the explosion fireworks usually used in the nightclub, adding that these had sparked a fire on the ceiling which caused further explosions and panic in the nightclub.

The fire started at about 2.30 a.m. according to the government statement, which said authorities had launched an investigation.