An elderly man perished in a fire at an apartment in the Corporate Area early this morning.

His name has not been released.

The incident took place at the Gallery Apartments on Oxford Road in New Kingston.

Speaking to reporters this morning, Assistant Superintendent in the Jamaica Fire Brigade Courtney Thompson noted that according to witnesses, the 70-year-old-man safely left the premises, but went back in to retrieve something.

Six families have been affected by the fire.

Investigations are still ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.