Around 7h, a fire broke out at a photocopy and stationery shop in Binh Dai commune. Encountering many flammable materials, the flames quickly spread, engulfing the front part of the house. Some people inside the shop shouted and fled outside.

The fire shortly after it broke out at the stationery shop. *Residents provided*

An elderly man, around 80 years old, who had suffered a stroke, could not escape as the fire erupted. Firefighters later arrived at the scene, spraying water to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading to adjacent houses. By over 10h30, the fire was largely under control.

Huynh Van Mai, Chairman of Binh Dai Commune People's Committee, stated that most of the shop was destroyed. Due to lingering smoke and heat inside, authorities could not yet access the area where the elderly man was trapped. Authorities are continuing to extinguish embers and search for the person inside.

The scene at the shop when the fire fiercely erupted. *Residents provided*

Initially, authorities suspect the fire was arson committed by Tran Ngoc Luyn and his wife, the elderly man's son, stemming from a property dispute. The couple, residents of the locality, are currently detained by police for investigation.

The shop is owned by Luyn's younger brother, who lives with their ailing father.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Firefighters sprayed water to control the flames at the stationery shop. *Cuu Long*

An Binh