Hanoi, Vietnam

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A massive fire broke out at a small apartment building in central Hanoi early on Friday (May 24) in which at least 14 people were killed and three others were injured, said the state media.

"The fire broke out at around 12:30 am (1730 GMT Thursday). The fire was big, with several explosions," said Vietnam News Agency.

In the images released by the regional media houses, charred belongings were seen being carried from the courtyard of the building, and the first floor's interior had blackened.

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It was reported that 14 people had been killed and three others were injured by 6:20 am (local time), local officials were cited as saying by VNA.

It remained unclear how many people were present in the apartment when the fire broke out. After an hour, the flames were extinguished.

The building is located on a two-metre-wide alley and has 12 rooms for rent.

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According to the media reports, the first floor was used for selling and fixing electric bicycles.

Neighbours run out of the alley, says heard 'explosion like firecrackers'

Speaking to AFP, one of the neighbours said that she heard an "explosion-like firecrackers" and screams from people.

"I thought there was a fight, or something hitting the window. I ran down and saw the fire.  Many of the neighbours had run out of the alley, crossing through other neighbours' houses. We were so, so scared," she added.

The woman said that the landlord of the building rescued his daughter-in-law and a grandchild from the blazing fire.

"The fire grew strongly, destroying many motorbikes, electric bicycles, and bicycles in the yard area," said Hanoi police, in a statement.

"By 1:26 am, the fire was completely extinguished. Rescue forces discovered 14 people dead," it added.

Speaking to state news site VNExpress, a rescue worker at the site Pham Quoc Viet said that everyone was evacuated from the building. "It was so terribly hot in there," he added.

Watch: India: Deadly forest fires sweep Uttarakhand, 5 dead

"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," he further said. 

An investigation is being carried out by the authorities to understand the fire's cause.

Last year in September, 56 people were killed in a fire at an apartment block in Hanoi in what was said to be the deadliest fire in Vietnam in two decades. In the incident, at least three children had died.

Many other deadly fires have been experienced by the country in recent years, especially at entertainment venues.

A year ago, a karaoke bar - close to the commercial hub of Ho Chi Minh City - had caught fire in which 32 people were killed and 17 others were injured.

Later, the owner was arrested on charges of breaching fire prevention regulations.

After the incident, the prime minister gave orders to inspect all high-risk venues. Instructions and fire safety equipment have been installed in different streets and buildings across the city.

(With inputs from agencies)