Two children are in critical condition at the 37 Military Hospital after a late-night fire razed a chamber-and-hall residence at Kasoa Lamptey in the Awutu Senya East Municipality of the Central Region.

Eyewitnesses say the incident occurred after the eldest child, a girl, lit a candle to study during a power outage.

She reportedly fell asleep, and the candle ignited the blaze.

The three siblings were alone at the time of the fire, as their parents had reportedly travelled, leaving them in the care of the eldest child.

Neighbours rushed to the scene when they heard screams and forced their way in to save the children.

Two of the victims—both girls—were found unconscious and severely burnt before being rushed to the hospital.

The third child, a boy, is said to be stable.

Authorities say the exact cause of the fire is under investigation, but strong indications point to the use of the candle during the blackout.