At least 14 killed in fire in Vietnam karaoke bar

Fourteen people have died in a karaoke bar fire in southern Vietnam, according to reports.

The fire broke out at around 9pm on Tuesday at the four-storey karaoke venue in Thuan An city in the province of Bing Duong, Hanoi.

Forty people were also injured, with some suffering from asphyxiation and others with broken limbs caused by jumping from the upper floors of the building in an attempt to escape the fire.

Venue staff and other customers were trapped inside as the blaze broke out on the second or third floor, according to reports.

The fire was reportedly under control within an hour but was still smouldering on Wednesday, more than 12 hours later.

Firefighters arrived at the scene to rescue those left inside with ladders.

Provincial authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze.

Enforcement of safety standards at entertainment venues in many parts of Southeast Asia is reportedly lax and believed to contribute to multiple deaths by fires.

Thailand police said a fire broke out at a pub located in the eastern province of Chonburi in August this year.

The pub was presenting live entertainment without a licence when the blaze occurred, leaving many people trapped inside whilst exits were blocked or locked.

Twenty-three people died in that fire – 13 on the night and 10 later from their injuries.

At least five other victims are believed to still be on ventilators following that pub fire.