Fire in Vietnam backpacker area
A fire in a main street in Ho Chi Minh City
popular with foreigners has injured four people
and destroyed 10 homes.
A hundred and fifteen firefighters were needed
to put out the fire, which started on Bui Vien
street on Sunday morning.
Correspondents in the Vietnamese capital say
hundreds of residents and tourists were
evacuated from Bui Vien and De Tham streets,
a popular bar and guesthouse centre, and from
a neighbouring slum area.
Police say they believe the fire was started by
a cooking accident or a disgarded cigarette.
A recent report revealed that more than 90%
of the buildings in Ho Chi Minh City fail to meet
adequate fire safety standards.
BBC News Service - February 10, 2003.
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