On the night of December 18, a karaoke bar located at 258 Pham Van Dong Street, in Bac Tu Liem district, was the scene of a terrible tragedy. According to initial reports, Hung, a customer drinking alone there, got into an argument with a group of seven people. The altercation, which began in the establishment, continued in the street, where Hung was allegedly surrounded and beaten.
After the conflict, he allegedly bought a plastic bucket and seven liters of gasoline for VND150,000 from a nearby store. Shortly before 11 p.m., he returned to the karaoke bar, doused the interior with gasoline, then started a fire. The flames quickly destroyed the ground floor, consuming the furniture and motorcycles inside. The narrowness of the building, combined with the lack of adequate emergency exits, trapped several customers and employees.
11 dead, 4 injured in Hanoi fire
The toll is heavy: 11 dead and 4 injured, currently being treated at E hospital. Hung, who has a criminal record including convictions for theft and burglary, recently lived in the commune of Dai Mach, in the district of Dong Anh, despite a declared residence in Co Nhue 2, Bac Tu Liem.
Hanoi police launched a thorough investigation, calling the incident premeditated and highlighting the devastating impact of the act on the local community.
