Civil Defense spokesman Lt. Col. Ali Al-Muntashiri said only eight of the occupants at the building in the Al-Nuzha District suffered minor suffocation because of the smoke.

He said preliminary investigations had ruled out any possibility of foul play and that the blaze was started accidentally. The spokesman said six Civil Defense units attended the scene and were able to contain the fire.

“The fire was accidental. Preliminary investigations showed no foul play,” said Al-Muntashiri.