HANOI: In a tragic incident in Hanoi, Vietnam, 11 people were killed and two others were injured after a suspected arson attack on a cafe and karaoke bar. The attack, which took place late Wednesday night, is believed to have been the result of a dispute between the suspect and staff members. The police arrested a man who admitted to starting the blaze on the ground floor of the building.
Rescue workers who arrived at the scene managed to bring seven people out of the building alive, although two of them were later hospitalized with injuries. CCTV footage surfaced showing a man with a bucket walking towards the cafe seconds before the fire broke out. Eyewitnesses reported a strong smell of petrol in the area, and many screamed for help, although the fire spread too quickly to provide assistance.
The fire engulfed the multi-storey building, leaving it in flames as firefighters tried to control the blaze. Despite their efforts, the fire was reportedly so intense that even with a ladder, rescuers were unable to access the upper floors. Videos circulating on social media captured the devastation as the fire raged.
Fire-related incidents are unfortunately common in Vietnam’s densely packed urban areas, with a high number of fatalities reported in recent years. This incident follows a tragic fire in September 2023, which claimed 56 lives, including children. The Vietnamese government has taken action to address safety lapses in the aftermath of such disasters.
