Black smoke billowed from the building as firefighters tackle the blaze. — VNA/VNS Photo

BÌNH DƯƠNG — Thirteen people have died and several others were injured after a fire broke out last night at a busy karaoke bar in the southern province of Bình Dương.

Around 40 people are being treated at the emergency department of An Phú Hospital, including 11 seriously injured and one case with traumatic brain injury, as of Wednesday morning.

The blaze started around 9pm at the An Phú karaoke bar in Thuận An City on the second and third floor of the three-storey building quickly spreading because of the soundproof foam and interior wood work.

The front of the An Phú karaoke bar. — VNA/VNS Photo

The fire damaged an area of 400sq.m out of the bar's total floor space of 1,500sq.m, Bình Dương Province's fire department said.

Staff reportedly tried to put out the blaze with the fire extinguishers but were unsuccessful.

Thirteen fire trucks along with 66 officers were deployed to the scene and the blaze was brought under control within an hour.

When the fire started, many customers and staff (mostly women) panicked and jumped from the second and third floors to the ground, leading to various injuries. Many were rescued while in a state of unconsciousness due to asphyxiation.

Bình Dương People's Committee has asked to step up fire safety inspections at all karaoke venues in the province.

By Thursday morning, the fire was reportedly smouldering again giving off black smoke.

The investigation into the cause of the incident is ongoing.

Six years ago, 13 people died after a fire broke out at a karaoke bar in Hà Nội. — VNS

Firefighters helping trapped people escape from the top floors of the bar. — VNA/VNS Photo