Doctor Ngo Duc Hiep, head of the Burns and Plastic Surgery Department at Cho Ray Hospital, reported that Dat died at 1 a.m. on 25/8. His 32-year-old wife remains in critical condition.

The couple were hospitalized on the morning of 17/8 with extensive burns covering 70-79% of their bodies, accompanied by burn shock and respiratory injuries. Their two children, a 13-year-old girl and a 5-year-old boy, are being treated at Children's Hospital. The boy suffered second- to third-degree burns over 70-75% of his body, along with respiratory injuries and sepsis. The girl has burns covering about 50% of her body, severe edema, and exposed eye conjunctiva.

Treatment of patients at the Burns and Plastic Surgery Department, Cho Ray Hospital. Photo provided by the hospital

Treatment of patients at the Burns and Plastic Surgery Department, Cho Ray Hospital. Photo provided by the hospital

Tay Ninh Provincial Police are investigating the incident. Preliminary investigations reveal that Dat and his wife had been experiencing financial difficulties and frequent conflicts, with the wife suffering repeated domestic abuse. In mid-May, she filed for divorce and a month later moved with her children into rented accommodation to work as a laborer. Dat repeatedly tried to persuade her to return home with the children, but she refused.

On the morning of 17/8, Dat purchased 5 liters of gasoline and went to the rented room in Duc Hoa Commune, Tay Ninh, where he asked his son to open the door. He then went upstairs where his wife and children were sleeping, poured gasoline over them and their belongings, and set them on fire. Neighbors, alerted by the commotion, extinguished the flames and rushed the four victims to the hospital with severe burns.

Le Phuong