Fire rages through building, killing more than 50

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam -- A massive blaze tore through a large building in downtown Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday, killing at least 54 people. State-controlled newspapers said the toll could rise to more than 100.

A wedding reception with some 500 guests was being held in the six-story building when the fire broke out, Ho Chi Minh City Television said, and an American insurance company with offices there was conducting a training seminar for about 100 employees.

Firefighters battled the inferno for hours, but inadequate equipment and intense flames and heat kept them from reaching many victims trapped inside the Saigon International Trade Center, a six-story building that housed shops, offices and a popular disco.

The official Vietnam News Agency said at least 54 people were confirmed dead. Hospital officials said more than 100 were hospitalized, many with serious injuries -- some from burns and some from jumping out of the building's windows.

State-run Vietnam Television reported Wednesday that 100 body bags were needed. "There are still no clear figures of dead, missing or injured, but the loss of life could be very big," the television said.

But the Lao Dong (Labor) newspaper quoted firefighter Nguyen Van Quy as saying: "We have counted about 100 bodies at various floors of the trading center, including one of a foreigner."

Police were still investigating the cause of the deadly blaze, but suspected an electrical short circuit, the Vietnam News Agency said.