Firefighters divided themselves into two squads to gain access into the building from both the front and back. As officers hosed down the flames, others climbed to the higher floors of nearby houses to gain access to the building, a 10-story mini apartment complex on Khuong Ha Street, Thanh Xuan District. As the building is located deep within an alley, it was difficult to direct water onto the flames.
Four adults and a child cling to the window frame on the 10th floor, calling for help.
The fire broke out at 11 p.m. on Tuesday, when most residents were asleep.
Officers scale up the burning building to rescue those trapped inside. Video by VnExpress/Gia Chinh
Amid the smoke and the heat, a firefighter asked those on the ground to spray him with water and deliver him oxygen tanks for the trapped victims.
On the roof of the 6-story building nearby, a group of officers inspected the state of the oxygen tanks and requested more tanks.
A device used to refill oxygen tanks was installed outside. Hundreds of oxygen tanks have been brought to the scene.
