A tragic fire erupted in a residential building in Nanjing, eastern China, resulting in the loss of at least 15 lives and injuring 44 individuals, local authorities confirmed on Saturday.

The fire broke out early Friday morning, according to officials at a press conference, with initial investigations indicating that it originated on the first floor of the building, where electric bikes were stored.

Situated in the Yuhuatai district of Nanjing, a bustling city with a population of over eight million, the incident unfolded approximately 260 kilometers (162 miles) northwest of Shanghai.

Emergency responders managed to extinguish the fire by 6:00 am (22:00 GMT Thursday), concluding a search and rescue operation around 02:00 pm on Friday, authorities reported.

To combat the blaze, twenty-five fire trucks were dispatched, and footage circulating on Chinese social media platforms depicted a towering skyscraper engulfed in flames during the night, emitting thick black smoke.

Subsequent images showed the inferno consuming multiple floors of the building, with the glow of emergency vehicles visible amidst the darkness.

Reports revealed that 44 individuals sustained injuries and were transported to hospitals for medical attention, with one person listed in critical condition and another seriously injured.

Expressing condolences and apologies to the families of the victims, Nanjing's Mayor Chen Zhichang addressed the media during a press conference.

The tragic incident underscores the recurring challenge of fire safety in China, attributed to lax regulations and enforcement. President Xi Jinping recently emphasized the need for enhanced efforts to prevent such accidents.

This fire follows a series of deadly incidents in the country, including a blaze at a store in Xinyu that claimed numerous lives, a school dormitory fire in Henan province, and a workplace explosion in Shanxi province, among others. Each event has prompted calls for improved safety measures nationwide.