On the morning of 24/7, Ottawa County fire services in Michigan, US, received reports from residents of a burning odor in Grand Haven, a town on Lake Michigan, west of Grand Rapids. Firefighters were dispatched to the area but did not find any house fires.

Hours later, they returned to the area after receiving further reports of white smoke emanating from a house. They then initiated efforts to extinguish the blaze. "Upon entering the home, they observed multiple fatalities inside", stated Captain Jake Sparks of the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office.

A total of eight bodies were found, including six children believed to be aged 5-15. Authorities have not yet identified all the victims.

Law enforcement at the scene of the fire in Michigan, US, on 24/7. *Photo: AP*

Sparks confirmed that some victims sustained gunshot wounds, adding that the total number of individuals shot remains unclear. All eight victims appear to be members of one family.

"This is a complex scene", he said, noting that police are treating these as suspicious deaths requiring thorough investigation.

Autopsies to determine the cause of death for the victims are expected to be completed by the end of this week. Sparks indicated that investigators are exploring the possibility of arson and a murder-suicide scenario, while emphasizing that the investigation is still in its initial stages.

According to Sparks, officials currently do not believe there is an external suspect, but this could change. "I do not want to rush to any conclusions at this time", Sparks stated.

Arson investigators from the Michigan State Police are assisting at the scene. The fire is believed to have originated inside the house, but its exact source and cause are under investigation.

Pham Giang (According to ABC News, AP)