Milan: At least six people died and 81 others were admitted to hospital as a fire broke out at a residential care home for the elderly in Milan, media reports said on Saturday.

The victims, five women and one man, were aged between 69 and 87 Two women are said to have burned to death in the room where the fire reportedly started from a bed, while the other victims reportedly died from smoke inhalation, reports ANSA news agency.

According to reports, there were 167 people in the building.

"Six deaths are a very heavy toll," Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala, who visited the building with city councillor for security Marco Granelli, told ANSA.

An investigation has been initiated into the incident.