Hanoi fire death toll put at 56; building owner detained

HCMC – Fifty-six people were killed in the fire that tore through a mini apartment building in Hanoi last night, and the owner of the residential block in a narrow alley has been detained on alleged charges of violating fire safety regulations, according to the Hanoi police.

The police tonight released an official statement on the fire in Khuong Dinh Ward, Thanh Xuan District, saying that it caused extremely severe consequences.

The death toll was 56, with 39 of them identifed. Most victims were killed at the scene and on the way to hospital. There are 37 other people injured in the fire.

The police decided today to press charges against this case and detain Nguyen Quang Minh, the owner of the apartment building for four months due to his violations of fire safety regulations.

The fire engulfed the mini apartment building that housed around 150 residents on Khuong Ha Street in Hanoi’s Thanh Xuan District at around 11:50 p.m. on September 12.

Over 100 firefighters, police, and 15 fire trucks came to the scene, bringing the fire under control after 45 minutes. As the building is located in the narrow alley, firefighting and rescue operations were difficult.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and other high-ranking officials have visited the scene and the victims. PM Chinh issued a directive requesting relevant agencies and units to address the aftermath of the fire.

The Ministry of Public Security has told the relevant units to clarify the responsibilities of organizations and individuals over the fire, and strictly handle violations according to the current regulations.

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