MINNEAPOLIS — Fire officials say three children have died and five other people have been injured in a duplex fire in Minneapolis.

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

More than 40 firefighters responded to the fire about 5 a.m. Fruetel says 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 at the scene. Fire officials say 15 people lived in the duplex.