On 24/8, Pham Van Phuc (not Nguyen Van Phuc as initially reported) was taken into custody by Ca Mau provincial police. He is under investigation for intentional injury and property destruction in connection with the Thanh Tung market fire two days prior.

While investigators haven't released specific details about Phuc's actions, initial findings suggest Phuc and a 52-year-old woman were living together as partners in a rented kiosk at Thanh Tung market. Phuc worked as a ferryman, and the woman was a market vendor. Jealousy reportedly fueled arguments between the two. On the afternoon of 22/8, Phuc allegedly attacked his partner with a knife.

The fire originated in Nguyen Van Phuc's home and spread throughout the market, destroying 57 kiosks. Photo: An Minh

According to nearby vendors, after the attack, the woman fled the home with multiple injuries and was taken to the hospital.

Following the fire, Phuc sustained burns and smoke inhalation.

Duong Van Dong, who lives across from Phuc's home, reported seeing Phuc release gas from a canister throughout the house before igniting it with a lighter.

Dong and others attempted to extinguish the flames with mini fire extinguishers but were unsuccessful. Panicked, they fled the scene.

The fire quickly spread to adjacent structures. Most of the buildings in the area, constructed of wood and corrugated iron, were vulnerable to the strong winds. Within moments, the fire intensified, sending plumes of smoke dozens of meters high. After 30 minutes, the blaze had engulfed almost the entire market. Many people fled, abandoning their belongings.

Hundreds of firefighters were mobilized to combat the flames. However, the fire's location near the riverbank hampered their efforts. Fire department boats and civilian vessels navigated the river, attempting to control the fire. By approximately 1:30 p.m. that day, the fire was largely contained.

Authorities report the fire destroyed all 57 kiosks belonging to 31 households, affecting 23 businesses and eight families who lived in the kiosks. The total estimated damage exceeds 20 billion dong.

An Minh