A devastating fire engulfed a small apartment block in central Hanoi early Friday morning, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 people and injuring three others, according to state media reports.

The fire broke out around 12:30 a.m. local time (6:30 p.m. BST Thursday), with flames quickly spreading and causing several explosions, as reported by Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

Local officials confirmed that by 6:20 a.m., the death toll had risen to 14, with three individuals sustaining injuries in the blaze. The exact number of people inside the apartment block at the time of the fire remains unclear.

Emergency responders managed to extinguish the flames within an hour after they were alerted to the incident.

The apartment block is located down a narrow alley, with the upper floors reportedly rented out to residents, while the ground floor was utilized for the sale and repair of electric bicycles, according to VNA.

Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes, with one neighbor, who preferred to remain anonymous, recounting hearing explosions similar to firecrackers.

The neighbor described the panic and fear that gripped residents as they fled the alley, seeking safety in neighboring houses.

"I thought there was a fight, or something hitting the window. I ran down and saw the fire," said the witness. "Many of the neighbors had run out of the alley, crossing through other neighbors’ houses. We were so, so scared."

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, as well as the circumstances surrounding the incident. Details regarding the extent of property damage and the identities of the victims are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses. (ILKHA)