People walk past the entrance of the nightclub where a deadly fire occurred in the Bastos district of Yaoundé, on January 23, 2022.
People walk past the entrance of the nightclub where a deadly fire occurred in the Bastos district of Yaoundé, on January 23, 2022.
Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP/Getty Images
CNN  — 

At least 16 people were killed after a fire tore through a nightclub in Cameroon’s capital city Yaoundé early on Sunday morning, according to the country’s government.

Eight other people were seriously wounded in the fire at the Liv Nightclub, according to the government’s statement. During a press conference held at the scene of the fire, the director of the Yaoundé Central Hospital said several people in critical condition were transferred to the hospital.

Policemen stand guard at the entrance of the night-club in the Bastos district of Yaounde, on January 23, 2022.
Policemen stand guard at the entrance of the night-club in the Bastos district of Yaounde, on January 23, 2022.
Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP/Getty Images

The Cameroonian Ministry of Communication said the ceiling at the nightclub caught fire from fireworks explosions.

The fire later caused two strong explosions that sparked panic among those in the venue, according to the statement.

President Paul Biya has ordered an in-depth investigation into the incident and sent his condolences to the victims’ families.