Hanoi, Vietnam — A devastating fire engulfed a nine-story apartment block in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, causing multiple casualties and injuries, as reported by the official news agency on Wednesday. The exact number of fatalities has yet to be confirmed by authorities.
The fire erupted in the middle of the night within the building, which was home to approximately 150 residents, according to the official Vietnam News Agency (VNA). By 2 a.m. local time, firefighters had managed to contain the blaze.
Television footage depicted the heroic efforts of firefighters armed with hoses and ladders as they battled the inferno during the night. By day, a thick, ominous plume of dark smoke billowed from the structure.
The local police have initiated an inquiry into the cause of the fire, as stated by the news agency.