Around 4 PM, as a group of workers were constructing the saddle, tail, and legs of the horse mascot at Vo Nguyen Giap Square on Doi Can street, a fire suddenly erupted. Workers and nearby residents used clothes to extinguish the flames, but within about 60 seconds, the fire rapidly spread to the entire mascot and the Thanh Giong figure on top.

The incident caused the mascot to collapse; no human casualties were reported.

Following the incident, Phan Dinh Phung ward instructed the construction unit to enhance labor safety and fire prevention measures during construction, especially in crowded public areas. The burnt mascot will be replaced.

According to the plan, Vo Nguyen Giap Square was to feature various decorations and was one of three locations designated for art programs and fireworks on the 29th night of Tet Nguyen Dan Binh Ngo.

The horse mascot in Thai Nguyen was made of foam and composite plastic, standing about 3 meters tall. It depicted a horse galloping forward with its two front legs lifted off the ground, and a Thanh Giong figure holding bamboo on its saddle.

Gia Chinh