At least 17 people have died and many more injured after a nightclub fire in Yaounde, Cameroon’s capital.

According to a government statement, fireworks ignited on the roof of the building before the flames spread to areas where cooking gas was stored.

Workers at the club – Liv’s Nightclub Yaouba – had initially said the fire was caused by a short circuit.

Government spokesman Rene Emmanuel Sadi said: “The tragedy, which was caused by the explosions from fireworks regularly used in these places, first consumed the ceiling of the building and then caused two strong explosions.”

“We are still at the level of investigations to find out the names and nationalities of the dead and the wounded,” he added.

The fire started at about 2.30am on Sunday and is being investigated.

It comes as the central African country hosts the month-long African Football Cup of Nations tournament, involving thousands of players and fans from across the continent.

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya said in a statement that players and fans could be assured of safety.

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