Deadly Fire in Hanoi Karaoke Bar Suspected to be Arson
A devastating fire ripped through a karaoke bar in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, killing 11 people and injuring two others in a case of suspected arson, police said on Thursday.
Fire Rages Through Multi-Storey Building
Pictures on state media showed the blackened multi-storey building in western Hanoi, mostly destroyed by flames, and piles of twisted metal strewn nearby. The fire began on the first floor and quickly spread throughout the building, making it difficult for rescue workers to reach those trapped inside.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Police received reports of the fire at 11:00 pm on Wednesday, with many people trapped inside. Rescue workers rushed to the scene and managed to bring out seven people alive, two of whom were rushed to hospital. Eleven others were found dead, according to police.
Arson Suspected, Suspect Arrested
The police suspect that the cafe was deliberately burned down and have arrested the perpetrator. According to police, the suspect had gone to the karaoke bar to drink beer before arguing with staff. He then allegedly bought petrol and poured it close to an area with many motorbikes, which burst into flames.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses told state media that the fire was so large that no one dared to attempt to rescue those trapped inside. "We were shouting for the trapped victims, but we heard no ask for help from inside the building," said Nguyen Minh Hung, who was nearby at the time.
Firefighting Efforts
More than 10 fire trucks and ambulances sped to the scene, according to local media. The fire was eventually brought under control, but not before significant damage was done to the building and its contents.
Background to the Incident
This is not the first time a karaoke bar in Vietnam has been the site of a deadly fire. In October, six people, including four police officers, were jailed over a fire that ripped through a karaoke bar two years ago, killing 32 people. The blaze in a province close to business hub Ho Chi Minh City shocked Vietnam and led to the closure of thousands of karaoke bars nationwide for failing to meet fire regulations. More than two-thirds of the country’s approximately 15,000 karaoke bars were forced to close, according to state media, citing police sources.
Conclusion
The recent fire in Hanoi serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety regulations and the devastating consequences of arson. As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, the victims’ families are left to mourn the loss of their loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the cause of the fire?
A: The police suspect that the fire was deliberately set on fire, and a suspect has been arrested.
Q: How many people were killed in the fire?
A: 11 people were killed in the fire.
Q: How many people were injured?
A: Two people were injured in the fire.
Q: What was the extent of the damage caused by the fire?
A: The fire caused significant damage to the building and its contents.