Nightclub fire kills 16 in Yaounde (Cameroon)

A fire engulfed an upmarket nightclub in Cameroon capital Yaounde in the early hours of Sunday, killed at least 16 people.

“The incident was caused by the explosion of fireworks usually used in the nightclub,” said the government.

It said this caused a fire to break out on the ceiling, leading to further explosions and panic in the venue.

The fire started at about 2.30 a.m. (0130 GMT), according to the government statement, which said authorities had launched an investigation.

At least eight other people were seriously injured in the fire at Liv’s Night Club in Yaounde’s upmarket Bastos district.

The fire engulfed the main room of the venue.