Hefei, China—A fire tore through a residential dormitory early this morning, leaving three people dead in its wake. The blaze started in the predawn hours while most residents were asleep. Emergency services received the first distress call at 4:15 a.m. local time. They arrived to find the structure already engulfed in thick, black smoke.

Investigators believe the catastrophe began in a single room. Initial findings point to a severely overloaded power strip as the ignition point. The device reportedly failed, sparking flames that spread rapidly to surrounding bedding and furniture. The room’s occupants stood no chance against the speed of the inferno.

Firefighters fought for nearly an hour before the flames were contained. The charred remains of the unit were exposed once the smoke cleared. Local authorities cordoned off the building by 6:00 a.m. to allow for a full investigation. Officials have already seized the remnants of the electrical equipment for forensic testing.

The victims were confirmed deceased at the scene by emergency medical personnel. Their identities have not been released pending notification of their families. Two other residents remain in the hospital for treatment related to smoke inhalation. Their conditions are currently listed as stable by medical staff.

Witnesses in neighboring rooms described hearing a sudden pop before the smell of burning plastic filled the hallway. Many residents evacuated the building in a panic, leaving behind personal belongings and vital documents. The lack of an immediate, audible alarm system is under intense scrutiny.

Institutional oversight of the dormitory is now being questioned. Inspectors are looking into whether the facility met basic fire safety codes. The building operator is currently cooperating with police, though no arrests have been made. A statement from the municipal fire department urged residents to audit their own electrical usage.

The facility remains closed while engineers assess the structural integrity of the affected floor. Power to the entire block has been cut for safety reasons. Displaced residents are being moved to temporary housing provided by the district government. Local workers are on-site cleaning up the debris and boarding up windows.

The investigation continues through the evening as evidence is logged and analyzed. Police teams are reviewing security footage from the building entrance. They are also interviewing staff about maintenance protocols for the aging electrical wiring. No definitive timeline for the reopening of the building has been established.