A huge fire has broken out at a casino causing the venue to completely burn to the ground.

Shocking footage shows a gigantic cloud of thick, dark smoke engulfing the sky as parts of the casino collapse in Culiacan, . As the building was engulfed with flames, locals could be heard panicking as witnesses stood in a car park close to the scene.

Video filmed by a motorist showed flames covering the top of the building and plumes of smoke billowing up when a large fireball erupted and parts of the structure began crashing to the ground.

Cars appear to be rushing out of the area, as drivers could be heard impatiently sounding their horns. rushed to the scene and attempted to tackle the huge blaze with the building continuing to burn at a relentless speed.

READ MORE:

Authorities have denied that the fire on Thursday was deliberate and they have ruled out fatalities. People inside the and in neighbouring buildings, one of which included a nursery school, were urgently evacuated. But three people were injured, as reported by NeedToKnow. According to authorities, a 39-year-old man suffered severe burns and was transferred to a nearby hospital for treatment. Two other people were treated at the scene after showing signs of shock.

Civil Defence director Roy Navarrete told N+ Mas News television that the fire started at the Royal Yak casino possibly due to a short circuit. It spread to the Air Jump Trampolines Park, a children's play place, while workers were handling repairs. The Royal Yak casino, located at the Plaza Cinepolis in Culiacan, north west of Mexico City, Mexico. Alongside firefighters, members of Civil Protection also tended to the situation.

The city is at the centre of feuding drug cartels and it had been thought that the fire could be connected to this, although it has been ruled out at this stage by authorities. The location is also just 600 metres from Sinaloa state congress where a former state police agent has been found dead this morning after being reported missing," reported .

The victim was found with his feet and hands tied. He had been thrown from a car and was shot four times before the killers fled the scene. So far no connection has been made with the fire but there has been plenty of speculation and it is being investigated by police.