At least eight people have been confirmed dead following a tragic fire that erupted in a shop in Chenggong District of Kunming, the capital city of Southwest China’s Yunnan Province, early Saturday morning, local authorities announced on Monday.

The blaze reportedly broke out around 2:00 a.m. and was brought under control by firefighters within 50 minutes, at approximately 2:50 a.m., according to emergency services.

Despite the rapid response, the fire claimed the lives of eight individuals, and the full extent of damages or injuries remains under assessment.

Local authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the fire and to assess whether there were any safety violations or negligence involved.

The incident has sparked concern over fire safety standards in commercial areas and is likely to prompt renewed inspections across the region.

Further details, including the identities of the victims and whether any others were injured, have not yet been disclosed as the investigation continues.

Officials have promised transparency and accountability in the ongoing probe. (ILKHA)