Around 11:20 PM, a fire erupted on the first floor of a porridge shop and residence located at 5 Hang Voi, Hoan Kiem ward. The presence of many flammable materials inside caused the fire to intensify quickly, emitting significant smoke and toxic gases.
At the time of the fire, the shop was closed and unoccupied. Upon detecting smoke, about five people outside broke open the rolling door and attempted to extinguish the flames with mini fire extinguishers, but were unsuccessful. The fire then spread to the residential house behind, trapping four individuals: two elderly people, one woman, and one child.
Responding to the alarm, the Command Information Center of Hanoi City Police dispatched five fire trucks and about 40 officers and soldiers from fire prevention, fighting, and search and rescue teams from areas 7, 8, and 9 to the scene.
When authorities arrived, the fire was burning intensely on the first floor, accompanied by several explosions, and showed signs of spreading. The fire commander organized teams equipped with breathing apparatus to access the rear house and search for the trapped individuals, while simultaneously deploying multiple attack lines to control the blaze.
By approximately 11:45 PM, the fire was extinguished. The four victims were safely evacuated from the dangerous area and handed over to medical personnel for health checks.
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A resident rescued by authorities, still covered with a wet towel. Photo: CACC |
The affected property was a two-story tube house, approximately 35 square meters in area. This was one of three "chao ca dau" (porridge with taro and peanuts) businesses, which had operated for nearly 20 years in Hanoi Old Quarter, opening in the mornings and closing from 6 PM.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by authorities.
Viet An
