Tay Ninh Province Police are investigating a fire that critically injured four members of a family, including the suspect, 37-year-old Cao Tran Kim Dat, on 21/8.

Dat lived with his 32-year-old wife and their two children, a 13-year-old girl and a 5-year-old boy. Recent financial difficulties and debt led to frequent arguments and domestic violence.

His wife filed for divorce in mid-May and a month later, moved with their children into a rented room to work as a factory worker. Dat repeatedly tried to convince his family to return home through calls, texts, and visits, but his wife refused.

On the morning of 17/8, Dat purchased 5 liters of gasoline, went to the rented room, and had his son open the door. He then went upstairs where his wife and children were sleeping, poured gasoline on them and their belongings, and set it alight. Neighbors quickly extinguished the fire and rushed all four victims to the hospital with severe burns.

The young boy is receiving intensive care at the Children's Hospital.

Dat and his wife suffered burns to 70-79% of their bodies, along with burn shock, respiratory burns, and sepsis. The boy sustained second and third-degree burns covering 70-75% of his body, including his head, face, neck, torso, genitals, and limbs, accompanied by respiratory burns and sepsis. The girl suffered second and third-degree burns to 45-50% of her body with severe swelling, exposed conjunctiva, and signs of infection.

Doctors are working to save the children's lives.

Nam An