HANOI - Four of the 17 injured in a fire in Vietnam's northern Haiphong city on Friday afternoon succumbed to their heavy burns Saturday morning,  increasing the total death toll to 17.

According to Vietnam News Agency, the fire broke out about 4:30 pm local time on Friday, at a private shoe-making workshop in Haiphong city.

Local witnesses said that welding slag dropped on spongy materials and ignited them as a welder hired by owners was erecting an anti-lightening pole to brace for the Nock-ten storm.

As the incident happened, a total of 36 employees were working in the workshop and only six of them escaped. Thirteen were burnt to death on the spot and 17 others injured. The eight workers in critical condition are transferred to Hanoi for urgent treatment.

Local investigation agencies and police have decided to file a lawsuit against those responsible. Therefore, six people related to the fire were put in temporary detention, including the workshop owners.

By Saturday morning, 10 workers killed in the fire were identified.

According to the Chief Office of Haiphong People's Committee, the workshop has operated for 27 days without business license. The Committee decided to support each victim with 10 million Vietnamese dong (roughly $488), and called for more support from the residents. Further investigation is underway.