14 killed in Vietnam building fire, 3 others injured: ‘we were so, so scared’
- Neighbours reported hearing explosions ‘like firecrackers’ and screams from people inside, as a fire ripped through a flat complex in central Hanoi
- Fatal fires are common in Vietnam, where safety features such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are haphazardly installed
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.”