13 people died in a karaoke bar fire in Cau Giay

• November 2, 2016 00:19

The search for victims continued throughout the night, while the scene remained largely cordoned off. The identities of the deceased have not been released.

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Fire at karaoke bar on Tran Thai Tong street (Hanoi). Photo: Ba Do

Major General Doan Viet Manh (Fire Prevention, Fire Fighting and Rescue Police Department) told VnExpress that the authorities at the scene had brought out 13 dead victims from the karaoke bar on Tran Thai Tong Street (Hanoi). The search and rescue continued into the night.

Meanwhile, responding at the scene, Mr. Luong Cao Thanh - Chairman of Cau Giay District People's Committee, said that authorities determined that 12 people died.

Upon receiving reports of the fire causing particularly serious damage, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc requested the Hanoi People's Committee to direct forces to urgently search for victims, and for Hanoi Police to promptly investigate the cause and strictly handle violations.

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Fire police at the scene.

The Prime Minister also requested the Hanoi People's Committee to take timely measures to support the victims and their relatives, and direct localities to strengthen inspections and resolutely suspend the operations of karaoke bars and restaurants that do not comply with fire prevention and fighting regulations.

The Standing Committee of the Hanoi Party Committee directed the City Police to coordinate with relevant forces to quickly examine the scene and investigate the cause of the fire.

The fire was discovered at nearly 2:00 p.m. on November 1, starting from a karaoke bar and quickly spreading to neighboring houses on Tran Thai Tong Street, Dich Vong Hau Ward, Cau Giay, Hanoi.

After 7 hours of firefighting, authorities discovered 13 dead victims. The facades of 4 houses, about 8 stories high, were completely burned down. Many motorbikes and cars were damaged.

The area where the fire occurred has bustling business activities, with 5-6 karaoke establishments, many restaurants and fashion stores., near the Academy of Journalism and Communication and Hanoi National University.