Owner and Officials Face Charges in Deadly Blaze that Claimed 56 Lives

Hanoi Apartment Fire Trial Begins

Eight individuals, including the owner of the apartment block and seven local officials, went on trial in Hanoi on Monday, March 10th, 2023. They face charges related to the deadly fire that ripped through the building in September 2023, claiming the lives of 56 people. This tragedy marks the deadliest blaze in Vietnam in two decades.

The owner of the nine-story building, situated in a densely populated area of the capital, is accused of violating fire safety regulations. He allegedly altered the building's design illegally to create more rooms, compromising safety measures. Additionally, seven local officials are on trial for "lack of responsibility causing serious consequences." They are accused of failing to report the owner's illegal modifications and ensure proper fire safety protocols were in place.

The trial commenced amidst a somber atmosphere, with many survivors and families of the victims present. The fire erupted on September 12th, 2023, shortly before midnight. Witnesses reported hearing screams as residents desperately attempted to escape through barred windows. The building's single exit and lack of emergency ladders hampered escape efforts. One side of the building had no windows, while another had only small ventilation slots, further restricting escape routes.

Following the tragedy, the Vietnamese government ordered a nationwide inspection of fire prevention systems in similar apartment blocks and densely populated rental accommodations. The aim is to prevent such devastating incidents from occurring again.