BAKU, March 2 (Xinhua) -- At least 24 people were killed in a fire at a drug rehabilitation center here, 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 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.