The fire broke out on the first floor - a place to repair electric motorbikes and bicycles – at around 00:40, according to local police.

As there were many flammable items inside, such as rubber tires, the fire raged fiercely, with black smoke billowing up.

Hearing about the news, firefighters were dispatched to the scene to put out the fire and support rescue work.

The boarding house is located deep in an alley, making it difficult for firefighters to work, said the police.

Competent forces had to break the main door and the window to storm into the house, rescuing seven people trapped inside.

The fire was completely extinguished after nearly an hour, and 14 people were found dead at the scene. Three injured people were taken to Transportation Hospital for emergency treatment.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, Deputy Minister of Public Security Sen. Lieut. Gen. Tran Quoc To, and Hanoi authorities rushed to the scene to direct rescue work.

Relevant agencies launched an investigation into the cause of the deadly fire.

This has been one of the deadliest fires in Hanoi over the past few years. Last September, a fire also broke out at a mini apartment building in the capital city, killing 56 people.

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man on May 24 sent his condolences to families of the victims.

The top legislator requested that the Ministry of Public Security and the administration of Hanoi quickly deal with the consequences of the fire, giving priority to promptly treating the injured and assisting the victims’ families.

He also requested that the Government and relevant agencies strengthen fire prevention and control measures and enhance communications to help people increase their vigilance, promptly respond to, and prevent fires and explosions in future.

The National Assembly Standing Committee dispatched a working group led by National Assembly Vice Chairman Tran Quang Phuong to the scene and hospital to provide consolation to victims’ families, doctors and rescue forces.

VOV