Hanoi Police's Investigative Police Agency today announced a decision to probe violations of fire prevention and fighting regulations. The incident occurred at Viet Nhat Motorcycle Sprocket Manufacturing Co., Ltd., situated within the Ngoc Hoa industrial and handicraft cluster in Chuong My ward.

A section of the woodworking factory complex in Chuong My ward collapsed after the fire that killed three people. Photo: Huy Manh

The incident resulted in three immediate fatalities and left three others injured.

The 114 Command Information Center of Hanoi Police received an alert about a major fire at 10:20 AM on 19/8. The blaze erupted at a workshop within Viet Nhat Motorcycle Sprocket Manufacturing Co., Ltd. The approximately 2,000 square meter facility was partitioned and leased to multiple businesses, with the fire starting in the woodworking section operated by Bui Gia Woodworking Company.

Emergency responders deployed eight fire engines, two command vehicles, dozens of specialized vehicles, and 66 personnel to the scene. Phu Tho Provincial Police also sent additional forces and equipment from the Luong Son area for support.

The fire raged intensely at the scene, fueled by wood, plastic, and solvents, which produced vast quantities of toxic smoke and threatened to spread to neighboring workshops. Firefighters brought the blaze under control after 12 PM.

Authorities confirmed that the facility had severe fire safety violations. Its operations were suspended by the competent agency in 10/2021, and it had been fined for administrative breaches due to non-compliance, yet continued operating illicitly.

Viet An