Eight people were killed and at least 29 others injured in a fire at a Czech home mostly for people with mental disabilities on Sunday, fire and state officials said. 

The fire occurred at the northwestern town of Vejprty that borders Germany. 

Prokop Volenik, spokesman for the regional rescue service, said that the fire broke out at around 5 a.m. local time and one of the injured is in critical condition. 

Michal Zavora, commanding officer of the region's fire services, told state broadcaster Czech Television that the fire at the Vejprty home started in one room before spreading to three others. 

He said the eight died from smoke inhalation.

Prime Minister Andrej Babis traveled to Vejprty, about 130 km (80 miles) northwest of Prague, and promised state help with the investigation into the fire, whose cause was unknown.

"It is a huge tragedy," he told reporters.

Officials said that firefighters were on the scene within 10 minutes and able to keep the fire from spreading.

Poor weather prevented helicopters from being able to help transport of those injured and German rescue units took part in the operation, according to the officials. 

(With inputs from Reuters, AP)

(Cover Photo: Police officers and a firefighter truck are seen next to a home for people with disabilities which was affected by a fire, in Vejprty, Czech Republic, January 19, 2020. /Reuters Photo)