2nd LD: Fire kills 24 people in drug treatment center in Azerbaijan

BAKU, March 2 (Xinhua) -- At least 24 people were killed in a fire at a drug rehabilitation center in the capital of Azerbaijan, authorities said in a joint statement Friday.

The statement was released by the Public Prosecution Office, Health Ministry, Interior Ministry and Ministry of Emergencies.

The authorities said 34 people were rescued with three hospitalized.

The blaze was extinguished by firefighters, who reached the scene immediately, the statement said.

Earlier local reports said at least 30 people died in the fire.

Under the instruction of President Ilham Aliyev, a joint investigation group involving the Public Prosecution Office, Interior Ministry and Ministry of Emergencies was established.

According to preliminary investigations, the fire was caused by a short circuit in the building's electrical network. Enditem