An overnight fire in an apartment building in a narrow alley in Vietnam's capital killed 14 people and injured six others, state media said Friday. The apartment building in central Hanoi could only be accessed through an alley just 6.5 feet wide, preventing firetrucks from reaching it, and firefighters eventually contained the fire by using hoses, state media said. The fire started around 12:30 a.m. and was accompanied by several explosions, the Vietnam News Agency said.
The alley was later cordoned off by police. The charred remains of burnt motorbikes and plants and scattered belongings remained at the apartment. Authorities said that they would give $1,962 to the families of those who died and $1,177 to those injured as compensation. This fire was reminiscent of a September blaze in Hanoi last year where more than 50 people died in similar circumstances. Rescue operations then were also hindered by the city's narrow lanes.