A devastating fire broke out in a multi-story building in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 30 lives, including several children. The exact number of casualties remains uncertain, according to local authorities. The incident occurred late on Tuesday night, and the building, located in the Nhat Tan neighborhood, housed around 150 residents.
The fire, which began in the early hours of Wednesday, saw firefighters struggling to control the blaze. Images from the scene showed firefighters using hoses and ladders to douse the flames and rescue residents. Smoke billowed from the building even during daylight hours.
Authorities from the Hanoi police department reported the fire, but they could not confirm the precise number of casualties at that time.
The state-run news agency Vietnam News Agency (VNA) stated that the fire occurred late Tuesday night. Firefighters from Hanoi and nearby regions rushed to the scene to tackle the blaze, but the intensity of the fire and the challenges of the multi-story structure made their efforts difficult.
Television footage showed that some residents attempted to escape the blaze by lowering themselves down using bedsheets from the upper floors of the building. Many who managed to escape were later rushed to local hospitals, some in serious condition.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited the site of the incident to assess the situation. In a government statement, he urged for stricter fire safety measures in densely populated residential areas and called for better fire prevention arrangements in smaller apartment buildings adjacent to high-rises.
The tragic incident has prompted calls for improved fire safety regulations and emergency response measures in Vietnam’s densely populated urban areas. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire and assess the extent of the damage.
Please note that the information provided is based on available reports, and the exact number of casualties and details surrounding the incident may be subject to updates as more information becomes available.
