A major fire erupted at Ang Son Parish Church in Ninh Binh province around 7:15 PM on 20/8, severely damaging the wooden roof, sanctuary, and various church assets. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, as the church was empty at the time of the blaze.

The fire, which residents of Dai Son street in Tay Hoa Lu ward discovered erupting from the church's wooden roof, quickly intensified. Its high location and extensive area, exacerbated by strong winds, made it challenging for local responders to control.

Ninh Binh Provincial Police's Fire Prevention, Fighting, and Rescue Police swiftly dispatched three specialized fire trucks, two mobile pumps, and dozens of officers and soldiers to the scene. During the fire suppression efforts, heavy rain began to fall, helping to contain the spread. After more than one hour, the blaze was completely extinguished.

Smoke billowing from Ang Son Church. Photo: Hoa Lu

Initial assessments revealed that the roof section near the bell tower and above the sanctuary was destroyed by fire. Many items inside the church were also burned and damaged.

A leader from the Tay Hoa Lu Ward People's Committee (UBND) stated that at the time of the fire, no one was inside the church, so there were no casualties.

The initial cause of the fire is believed to be an electrical short circuit. Authorities are currently examining the scene, assessing the damage, and investigating the exact cause.

Le Hoang