As a result of a fire that broke out in a karaoke bar in the south of Vietnam, 12 people died. Another 11 visitors were injured.
The fire engulfed the second and third floors of the four-story building on Tuesday night, trapping customers and employees as thick smoke filled the stairwell, state media reported, citing Novye TV.
Many went out onto balconies to escape the flames, which quickly spread to engulf the wooden interior, while others were forced to jump out of the building, reports said.
Pictures show plumes of smoke rising from the bar, located in a crowded residential area of Tuan An city, north of Ho Chi Minh City, as firefighters with cranes try to put out the flames.
Local authorities confirmed to AFP that 12 people were killed and 11 injured as a result of the fire.
“Rescuers are still searching for victims at the scene. The cause of the fire has not been determined and an investigation is underway,” said Nguyen Thanh Tam, head of Tuan An town.