At least seven houses were totally damaged in a flame in district 3 of the city yesterday and one was killed in the incident, it was reported at a meeting convened by the municipal People's Committee on December 31.

Firefighters yesterday made their concerted efforts to put out a large fire that raged on Tran Quoc Thao Street in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 3..

At this time, firefighters were working hard under the guideline of Mr. Tat Thanh Cang, Vice Chairman of the municipal People's Committee as the fire was smoldering. Police blocked traffic on the streets Ky Dong, Tran Quoc Thao, Ly Chinh Thang to give the firemen more space.

Local residents said they saw the flame that broke out from Karaoke lounge at 180 Tran Quoc Thao Street at 9PM. Shortly afterwards, the flames spread to other houses, witnesses said. At this time, tens of clients rushed out of the bar.

Firefighters and police were called to the scene to extinguish the fire and maintain order and security in the area. Hundreds firemen from firefight stations of districts 1, 8, 11, Binh Thanh, Go Vap and Binh Tan were sent to the scene. However, they faced difficulties because of black night and shortage of water.