Scene of a large explosion at a gas station in the middle of Saigon

A gas station on Quang Trung Street (HCMC) caught fire with loud explosions, causing panic among many people.

At around 5:00 p.m. on December 16, many people walking on Quang Trung Street saw the TT75 gas station (Ward 8, Go Vap District) near the Le Van Tho intersection on fire.

Fire scene. Photo: Le Quan.

Local forces used fire extinguishers to try to put out the fire but were unsuccessful. Black smoke billowed high and accompanied by loud explosions, causing people to flee.

About 30 minutes after the fire department arrived, the fire was completely controlled; however, at 6:30 p.m. the same day, police still had to spray water to reduce the heat after the fire.

The tanker truck next to it caught fire, and a nearby clothing store was also affected.

A witness said that at the time of the fire, a tanker truck drove in to refuel. While transferring fuel, the vehicle suddenly caught fire under the truck. Many employees used fire extinguishers to put it out but were unsuccessful. The fire spread to the parking lot and the gas station.

Another witness named Tuan (22 years old, selling clothes nearby) added that the fire started inside the gas station. Many people saw the fire and quickly packed up their goods and ran away.

At nearly 6:30 p.m., authorities were still spraying water to reduce the heat. Photo: Le Trai.

"The flames were raging. The heat from the fire was unbearable for many people standing dozens of meters away. Everyone was worried about running away to escape," said Mr. Tuan.

Toan (19 years old) said he parked his motorbike near the gas station to go to the market. When he saw smoke, Toan ran to find the motorbike already burned. According to him, the burnt motorbikes belonged to people who parked them to go to Hanh Thong Tay market.

According to initial estimates, the fire burned and damaged 35 motorbikes. Some nearby clothing stalls were also damaged. The fire also caused serious traffic congestion on Quang Trung Street.

The cause of the fire is currently being investigated by authorities.

According to Zing