A devastating fire ripped through an apartment complex in central Hanoi, Vietnam, on Friday, May 24, claiming the lives of 14 people and injuring three others. The blaze erupted around 12:30 am in the densely populated Cau Giay district, known for its universities and residential areas.
The fire rapidly spread through the building, filling it with smoke and toxic gases. Rescuers were forced to break the lock of an external gate and smash a window to gain entry to the smoke-filled interior. They managed to rescue seven individuals who were trapped inside.
Residents reported hearing explosions similar to firecrackers and the terrified screams of those trapped within the blazing inferno. The Hanoi police stated that the fire swiftly engulfed the apartment complex, destroying numerous motorbikes, electric bicycles, and bicycles in the yard area.
Tragically, by 1:26 am, the fire was extinguished, but the toll was heavy: 14 people had perished in the inferno. Three survivors were rushed to a local hospital for emergency treatment.
The aftermath of the fire revealed a scene of devastation. The building’s corrugated metal roof had collapsed, leaving a charred skeleton open to the sky. The interior was strewn with blackened belongings and bike parts, a testament to the intensity of the blaze.
The apartment complex, comprising two interconnected blocks, was situated down a narrow 2-meter-wide alley. Twenty-four people were officially registered as residents in the complex’s 12 rental rooms.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of this tragic fire, which adds to a recent string of deadly blazes in Vietnam. In September 2023, a fire in another Hanoi apartment block resulted in the deaths of 56 people, including three children. Other significant fires include a karaoke bar blaze near Ho Chi Minh City last year that killed 32 people and injured 17.
In response to these incidents, the Prime Minister has ordered inspections of high-risk venues, and fire safety measures have been implemented in various locations across the city. However, this latest tragedy highlights the ongoing challenges of fire safety in Vietnam, as the nation strives to improve its infrastructure and prevent such devastating events from occurring in the future.
