HANOI (VIET NAM NEWS) – A tragic arson attack in Hanoi has claimed the lives of 11 people and left two others hospitalised, prompting swift legal action against the suspect, a 51-year-old man with a criminal record. The Hà Nội City Police Investigation Agency announced on Thursday morning that the suspect, identified as C.V.H., has been detained and is facing murder charges for the fire that occurred late Wednesday night at a café in Bắc Từ Liêm District.
The fire broke out at 11:03pm on Wednesday at a café located at No.258 Phạm Văn Đồng Street, trapping multiple people inside. The Hà Nội City Police’s 114 Emergency Command Centre immediately dispatched firefighting and rescue teams from several districts, including Bắc Từ Liêm, Nam Từ Liêm, Cầu Giấy, Thanh Xuân, and Tây Hồ. Local authorities and residents also assisted in the efforts.
Lieutenant General Nguyễn Hải Trung, Director of the Hà Nội City Police, personally oversaw the operations, while Bùi Thị Minh Hoài, Secretary of the city’s Party Central Committee, directed the authorities on-site to address the aftermath.
The fire was brought under control by 11:40pm. Tragically, firefighters discovered 11 bodies at the scene, while seven people were rescued. Five victims were found in stable condition, and two were transported to the hospital for emergency care.
Police investigations revealed that the fire was intentionally set. The suspect, C.V.H., who has two prior convictions for robbery and theft, was arrested just after midnight on Thursday. According to his initial confession, C.V.H. had been drinking beer at the café and got into an argument with the staff. In a fit of rage, he purchased gasoline, poured it on the café’s first floor where motorcycles were parked, and set it on fire. He then fled the scene as the flames spread.
Lieutenant General Trung has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident to determine the motive and circumstances behind the crime. The police are also working to verify the identities of the victims.
In addition, Trung has directed city departments and Bắc Từ Liêm District Police to provide assistance to the victims’ families and address the aftermath of the tragedy.
