Fire in Vietnam: Deadliest fire in Vietnam in two decades, occurred just before midnight on Tuesday. The fire originated in the parking floor of a 10-storey apartment building, densely packed with motorbikes
Hanoi, Vietnam, 13 September (City Times): Fire in Vietnam : A devastating fire has left 56 people dead and 37 injured in Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi. This tragedy, the deadliest fire in Vietnam in two decades, occurred just before midnight on Tuesday. The fire originated in the parking floor of a 10-storey apartment building, densely packed with motorbikes.
Horrific Scene Unfolds
Witnesses at the scene reported hearing screams for help from inside the building. Tragically, there was little that could be done due to the closed-off nature of the apartment complex, making escape impossible for many victims. The blaze was eventually brought under control, but not before several hours of frantic rescue efforts.
Fire in Vietnam: Owner Arrested, Violating Fire Prevention Regulations
The owner of the apartment building has been arrested on suspicion of violating fire prevention regulations, according to Hanoi police. The tightly enclosed balconies, iron bars, and lack of emergency exits contributed to the tragic outcome.
Acts of Desperation and Heroism
In the midst of the chaos, acts of desperation and heroism unfolded. One witness reported seeing a small child being thrown from a high floor to escape the flames, with people using a mattress to try to break the child’s fall. Others jumped from the building, sustaining injuries in the process.
A Nightmare for Many
One survivor, Nguyen Thi Minh Hong, shared the terrifying experience of waiting for help in her seventh-floor apartment. The family had to endure five hours of intense heat, cut off from escape due to the fire’s intensity. Hundreds of people gathered outside a Hanoi morgue, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.
Investigation Ordered
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has ordered an investigation into the fire. Vietnam has seen several deadly fires in recent years, often in entertainment venues. In response to previous incidents, inspections of high-risk venues were ordered to enhance safety standards.
A Grim Reality in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia has seen its share of deadly fires due to lax safety standards, making accidental conflagrations a grim reality. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety measures and the devastating consequences when they are neglected.
Hanoi Apartment Fire Highlights Safety Concerns
A tragic fire in Hanoi has raised concerns about safety in high-rise buildings. The fire, which occurred in a district known for its narrow alleys and limited access, left residents trapped and exposed the shortcomings of emergency response.
A Terrifying Scene
Pictures from the night of the fire show residents peering out through security bars while using their shirts to shield themselves from the thick smoke. The situation became even more dire due to the common practice of having rolling garage doors at building entrances, which cannot be opened when a fire disrupts the electricity supply.
Challenges of Narrow Alleys
Hanoi’s older neighborhoods, like the one where the fire happened, have labyrinthine narrow alleys that make it challenging for emergency vehicles to reach homes in distress. These factors compounded the difficulty of responding to the emergency effectively.
Government Response
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited the site of the fire and the victims being treated in nearby medical facilities. He pledged that the government would cover all treatment costs for those affected. He also expressed his dismay at the lack of escape routes in the 10-story building, which housed 45 households.
A Grim Reminder
This devastating fire is Vietnam’s deadliest since a tragic incident at a karaoke parlour near Ho Chi Minh City claimed 32 lives in September 2022. In its aftermath, a nationwide inspection of karaoke facilities and the introduction of new fire safety regulations were initiated.
Safety Concerns Remain
The recent fire serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for improved safety measures in high-rise buildings and the importance of assessing and addressing fire safety concerns, especially in densely populated urban areas.
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