A fire in an apartment building in Hanoi, Vietnam, kills 14 people and injures 6
An overnight fire in an apartment building located in a narrow alley in Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, has claimed the lives of 14 people and injured six others, state media reported Friday.
The apartment building, situated in central Hanoi, was only accessible through a 2-meter (6.5-foot) wide alley, preventing firetrucks from reaching the site. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze using hoses, according to state media reports.
The fire broke out around 12:30 a.m. and was accompanied by several explosions, the Vietnam News Agency stated. It took firefighters an hour to extinguish the flames.
Neighbor Nguyen Thanh Trung recounted being awakened by the explosions. "I could feel the shock at my house," he said. Trung, along with others, used a ladder to break a window and help people escape.
State media reported that the building housed 24 residents at the time, including the owner’s family of seven and 17 tenants. The injured are in stable condition and are being treated at Hanoi Transport Hospital.
The fire originated in a small courtyard in front of the building, which was used as a garage for the sale and repair of electric bikes. Trung noted that the family often charged the bikes’ batteries at night.
Following the incident, police cordoned off the alley. The charred remains of motorbikes, plants, and scattered belongings were visible at the scene.
Authorities have announced compensation of $1,962 for the families of the deceased and $1,177 for the injured.
This incident is reminiscent of a tragic blaze in Hanoi last September, where over 50 people perished under similar circumstances. Rescue efforts were similarly hampered by the city's narrow lanes.
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