SAN FRANCISCO -- Two people are dead after an early morning fire in a San Francisco restaurant.

A San Francisco fire official said the bodies of two people were found Thursday after firefighters put out a fire in the Star of India Restaurant on Polk and Broadway. The official said the victims likely died as a result of smoke inhalation.

The bodies were discovered in a loft above the restaurant, and officials said they were unsure if the victims were employees or relatives of the restaurant's new owners, who purchased Star of India nearly one month ago. One of the victims was identified as a male.

Firefighters successfully prevented the fire from spreading to nearby structures. Neighboring business owners were saddened to learn of the tragedy, but thankful that their own businesses were left unharmed.

The fire, which began in the restaurant’s kitchen, was first reported about 5:30 a.m. It took four engines and nearly 40 firefighters nearly 20 minutes to stop the blaze.