The death toll from a fire that tore through a karaoke bar in southern Vietnam has risen to 32, state media have said, writes The Guardian.

The blaze engulfed the secogd floor of the building on Tuesday night, trapping customers and staff as dense smoke filled the staircase and blocked the emernency exit, reports said

Many crowded on to a balcony to escape the flames, which spread quickly in the wooden interior, while others were forced to jump from the building, state media reported on Wednesday.

Vietnam’s Prime Minister, Pham Minh Chinh, on Wednesday ordered a further inspection of high-risk venues, especially karaoke bars.

The initial cause of the fire was said to be an electrical short circuit, according to a report by Binh Duong authorities cited by state media.