At least six Bangladeshi nationals were killed and another was injured in a devastating fire in a shop in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province early Tuesday.

Rowshon Ali, a member of Alirtek Union Parishad in Sadar upazila of Narayanganj, said four of the deceased were residents of his union, while another victim hailed from neighbouring Baktaboli union and the sixth victim was from the Rikabibazar area of Munshiganj district.

However, he could not provide the detailed identities of the victims immediately.

"All of them were relatives. We are deeply saddened by the news," Rowshon told UNB over the phone.

He said the fire broke out around 3:00am (local time) in a shop in Tsomo town near Queenstown.

However, Narayanganj Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) SM Foyez Uddin said the local administration has yet to receive any official confirmation of the incident.

"We have not received any communication from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. No family member of the victims has contacted us either. We are looking into the matter," he said.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh High Commission in Pretoria expressed deep shock and sorrow over the deaths of six Bangladeshi nationals and the injury of another in the fire incident. 

In a statement, it prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls, conveyed profound sympathy to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery for the injured Bangladeshi national.

It said Bangladeshi High Commissioner Shah Ahmed Shafi was scheduled to visit Tsomo town on Tuesday.

During his visit, he will inspect the spot, inquire after the deceased and injured Bangladeshis, and meet relevant stakeholders.

Shafi will also hold formal meetings with officials of the local administration and South African Police.

During the meetings, he will discuss the latest situation, progress in the investigation, necessary assistance for the affected Bangladeshis and further steps to be taken.

The Bangladesh High Commission said it remains committed to ensuring all possible support on behalf of the government of Bangladesh for the affected nationals.