The fire occurred on the morning of 17/5 in a modest house in Nhan Dan B hamlet, Phong Thanh commune, Ca Mau province. A four-year-old boy is in critical condition, suffering second and third-degree burns over 90% of his body, along with respiratory tract burns, sepsis, and multi-organ damage. His 43-year-old mother, who was also severely burned, passed away on the afternoon of 18/5 after being rushed to the hospital. The man suspected of setting the fire died en route to the hospital.

The child is receiving intensive care at the Surgical Intensive Care Unit, City Children's Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, where he was transferred in critical condition from Ca Mau. The medical team is maintaining mechanical ventilation, administering vasopressors, providing specialized resuscitation, intensive burn care, and hourly monitoring. Given the extremely severe progression of his condition, doctors are preparing for more advanced interventions, including continuous hemodialysis. Doctors describe the boy's prognosis as very guarded due to the extensive burn area, combined with respiratory tract burns and severe complications. His treatment is expected to be prolonged, incurring substantial costs for resuscitation, medication, infection control, and specialized care.

The patient receiving mechanical ventilation in intensive care. Photo: Hospital provided

Local officials reported that Ca Mau Provincial Police are investigating the incident, suspecting that the man, who was cohabiting with the boy's mother, set the fire following a relationship dispute. Authorities stated that the couple had a prior conflict, during which the man reportedly threatened to kill his "de facto wife". The fire scene showed significant property inside the house completely destroyed by fire.

Currently, the boy's maternal aunt is directly caring for him at the hospital. All of the child's personal identification documents were lost in the fire, preventing the family from completing health insurance procedures.

Le Phuong