Tragedy struck in Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, as a massive fire engulfed an apartment block, claiming the lives of no fewer than 56 people while leaving dozens injured.

Authorities reported that 37 individuals sustained injuries in the blaze, with 39 victims already identified. The fire, which erupted during the night, has been successfully extinguished, but rescue operations continue.

Hanoi, a rapidly growing city with a population that has quadrupled to 5.25 million over the past two decades, faces challenges related to fire safety regulations in many newly constructed apartments. Authorities have launched an investigation into the fire's cause, although witnesses suggest it originated in the building's parking area, filled with motorcycles.

Residents recounted harrowing experiences of hearing a loud bang around 23:00 local time on Tuesday (16:00 GMT) and witnessing thick black smoke billowing through the building. Some families resorted to breaking through metal railings to escape, using ladders to reach neighboring structures. The tragic situation was compounded by the lack of escape routes within the tightly enclosed apartment block.

Witnesses described desperate attempts to save lives, including a young boy being thrown from a high floor to escape the flames, with uncertain outcomes. Despite the efforts of fifteen fire engines dispatched to the scene, they struggled to access the burning apartment block due to the narrow alleyway leading to it.

This devastating incident underscores the challenges of managing fire safety in fast-growing and poorly regulated urban areas in the region. Notably, a year ago, 33 people lost their lives in a fire at a karaoke club in southern Vietnam, where windows had been sealed shut, impeding escape.

Similar tragedies have occurred in other Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand, where post-incident investigations often reveal inadequate regulations or a lack of enforcement.