(UPDATE) HANOI — 14 people were killed and three others were injured in a fire that ripped through a small apartment block in central Hanoi, Vietnam, early Friday, state media reported.
"The fire broke out at around 12:30 a.m. The fire was big, with several explosions," the Vietnam News Agency said.
Pictures from the scene Friday morning showed charred belongings in the building's courtyard and the blackened interior of the first floor.
By 6:20 a.m., at least 14 people had died and three were injured, VNA cited local officials as saying.
It was not clear how many people were in the apartment at the time the fire broke out. The flames were extinguished after an hour.
The building is situated down a two-meter-wide alley, with 12 rooms for rent.
The first floor was reportedly used for the selling and fixing of electric bicycles.
A neighbor, who declined to give her name, told AFP she heard an "explosion like firecrackers."
"I thought there was a fight, or something hitting the window. I ran down and saw the fire.
"Many of the neighbors had run out of the alley, crossing through other neighbors' houses. We were so, so scared."
She said the building's landlord had rescued his daughter-in-law and a grandchild from the flames.
Pham Quoc Viet, a rescue worker at the site, told state news site VNExpress that no one was left inside the building.
"It was so terribly hot in there," he said.
"Firefighters tried their best to look for survivors. They rescued an old lady and then brought another four people out. We checked carefully; there were no other ones inside."
Authorities are still investigating the fire's cause.
The fire occurred after 56 people died in a fire at an apartment block in Hanoi in September last year, in what was Vietnam's deadliest fire in two decades.
This photo shows the aftermath of a fire at small apartment building in Hanoi, Vietnam Friday, May 24, 2024. State media said the overnight fire has killed a number of people and injured several others. AP PHOTO This photo shows the aftermath of a fire at small apartment building in Hanoi, Vietnam Friday, May 24, 2024. State media said the overnight fire has killed a number of people and injured several others. AP PHOTO This photo shows the aftermath of a fire at small apartment building in Hanoi, Vietnam Friday, May 24, 2024. State media said the overnight fire has killed a number of people and injured several others. AP PHOTO Officials visit the site of a house fire in Hanoi, Vietnam Friday, May 24, 2024. Authorities said the fire has killed a number of people and injured a few others. AP PHOTO Security officers guard at the cordoned off entrance to the site of a fire in Hanoi, Vietnam Friday, May 24, 2024. State media said the overnight fire in a small apartment building has killed a number of people and injured several others. AP PHOTO Officials visit the site of a house fire in Hanoi, Vietnam Friday, May 24, 2024. Authorities said the fire has killed a number of people and injured a few others. AP PHOTO
At least three children were among the dead.
The country has experienced several other deadly fires in recent years, often at entertainment venues.
A year ago, a karaoke bar blaze near the commercial hub of Ho Chi Minh City killed 32 people and injured 17.
The owner was later arrested on charges related to breaching fire prevention regulations.
In the aftermath, the prime minister ordered an inspection of all high-risk venues.
Fire safety equipment and instructions have been installed in many streets and buildings across the city.
Read The Rest at :
