Vietnam fire: 14 dead after fire tears through karaoke bar as revelers flee

Revelers jump from balconies to escape death at Binh Duong karaoke bar in southern Vietnam as 14 people die overnight last and 11 are fighting for their lives in hospital

Concerns had already been raised about lax safety standards at karaoke bars before last night's fire (

Image: Vietnam News Agency/AFP via Gett)

At least 14 people have died and 40 others have been injured after a fire engulfed a popular karaoke bar as desperate drinkers jumped from balconies to escape the flames.

Hell engulfed the second and third floors of the building in Binh Duong, southern Vietnam, trapping customers and staff.

It is understood that of those still hospitalized, 11 are in serious condition.

The bar was set on fire and the fire quickly spread due to the wooden interior of the building.

Many were seen jumping from balconies, breaking their hands and legs as they tried to jump to safety.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh this morning ordered the Ministry of Public Security and provincial authorities to investigate.

Nguyen Thanh Tam, speaking on behalf of the communist party in Thuan An, said, "Rescue teams are still searching for victims at the scene. The cause of the fire has not been determined and the under investigation."

Karaoke bars are popular in Ho Chi Minh City (

Picture:

Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A witness, identified only as Quynh, said: "When the fire started, I was so panicked that I ran for protection and I don't remember how it happened. "

Nguyen Sang, who lives near the karaoke bar but was not inside, told the VnExpress news site: "A lot of people ran outside through the main entrance, but a lot of others didn't couldn't stand the heat and they jumped, breaking their hands and legs."

Mr. Chinh also ordered cities and provinces in the Southeast Asian country to tighten safety standards at fire-prone facilities, including karaoke bars.

Karaoke is popular in Vietnam, but lax safety standards...