HANOI, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Four people from the same family died in a fire early Saturday morning in Vietnam's southern Dak Lak province, local daily Tuoi Tre reported.

The blaze broke out around 2:55 a.m. local time at a plumbing and electrical equipment shop that also served as the family's residence.

The flames spread rapidly, engulfing the entire building and later spreading to a neighboring house.

Five people were asleep inside the house and suffered critical burns.

A couple and their two children, aged eight and four, later died from their injuries.

A newborn baby, less than one month old, was rescued but sustained serious burns and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.

Local authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. ■