MINNEAPOLIS — Fire officials said three children have died and five others have been injured in a duplex fire in Minneapolis

Minneapolis Fire Chief John Fruetel said the three children died at the scene of the fire in north Minneapolis Friday morning and the injured were taken to North Memorial and Hennepin County Medical Center.

The chief said firefighters encountered heavy smoke and fire on the second and third floor of the duplex as they searched the building for victims. Firefighters rescued and provided medical care for several victims on the scene.

Crews responded to the fire about 5 a.m. and within a half-hour three alarms were called. More than 40 firefighters were dispatched to the fire. One was injured on scene. Fire officials say 15 people lived in the duplex.