Neighbours reported hearing explosions “like firecrackers” and screams from people inside and those living close by, as a fire ripped through a flat complex in central Hanoi.
A fire ripped through a flat complex in central Hanoi early on Friday, killing 14 people and injuring three others, police said.
Smoke and toxic gases billowed out of the building in Cau Giay district, a densely populated district of Vietnam’s capital that is home to several universities, after a fire broke out around 12:30am.
Rescuers forced their way inside, breaking the lock of an external gate and smashing a window to rescue seven people trapped inside.
Neighbours reported hearing explosions “like firecrackers” and screams from people inside and those living close by.
“The fire grew strongly, destroying many motorbikes, electric bicycles, and bicycles in the yard area,” Hanoi police said in a statement.
“By 1:26am, the fire was completely extinguished. Rescue forces discovered 14 people dead.”
Three survivors are receiving emergency treatment in hospital.
The building’s corrugated metal roof caved in as the blaze reduced the complex to a charred shell open to the sky, strewn with blackened belongings and bike parts.
