Around 10:30 h, smoke and flames billowed from apartment 222 on the second floor, quickly spreading to surrounding areas and up to the third floor of the 5-story building.

The apartment owner was not home at the time. Hearing the fire alarm, many residents in neighboring units shouted warnings and knocked on doors, urging others to evacuate to the courtyard.

"Upon detecting a burning smell, we immediately pressed the alarm and shouted for everyone to get out", a resident stated.

The fire scene, morning 16/1. Photo: Hung Le.

The Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department of Nghe An Provincial Police deployed three water trucks, one ladder truck, and 24 officers to the scene. They used water hoses to extinguish the fire and guided residents to evacuate. Authorities successfully rescued two people, bringing them to safety.

The blaze was brought under control after approximately 15 minutes, but many items inside the apartment were destroyed. Police are currently implementing cooling procedures to fully extinguish the fire.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

Fire police spraying water to extinguish the fire. Photo: Hung Le.

The Tan Hop apartment building in Truong Vinh ward was constructed 15 years ago and comprises 5 stories with over 50 units. Previously, wards within Vinh city had more than 100 apartment buildings, with approximately 7 older structures slated for renovation or rebuilding.

Duc Hung