2 dead, 12 injured as suspected gas explosion collapses 2 houses in Ho Chi Minh City

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health confirmed the casualties in an emergency report submitted to the municipal administration on Friday evening.

The blast occurred at around 11:00 am at a gas shop at 81 Bui Van Ba Street, completely destroying the building and an adjoining house at No. 83.

Two neighboring houses also sustained severe damage, including collapsed walls.

Police, firefighters, and rescue teams were deployed to search for the missing workers and investigate the cause of the explosion.

According to the health department, 14 people were affected by the incident, including seven men and seven women aged between 15 and 56.

One victim, a man born in 1971, was found dead at the scene.

Another victim, an unidentified man estimated to be around 50 years old, was taken to Nguyen Thi Thap General Hospital in cardiac and respiratory arrest.

Despite resuscitation efforts, he died at 3:30 pm. 

Among the injured, a 36-year-old man admitted to Cho Ray Hospital suffered second- and third-degree burns covering 90 percent of his body, including third-degree burns over 38 percent.

He also sustained inhalation injuries and respiratory failure, requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation.

The patient remained in critical condition at the hospital's burn and reconstructive surgery department, with a guarded prognosis.

Another patient at Cho Ray Hospital suffered respiratory failure and injuries to his head, cervical spine, and legs. He was undergoing examinations and specialist consultations.

Four victims treated at Khanh Hoi General Hospital sustained head injuries, limb wounds, and multiple injuries. Brain CT scans showed no intracranial abnormalities, and their vital signs remained stable.

Another patient was treated at Tan Hung General Hospital for severed extensor tendons in the fourth and fifth toes of the right foot and a wound to the right lower leg.

People's Hospital 115 was treating two transferred patients, one with multiple injuries and the other with an intracranial injury. Their latest conditions were not specified in the report.

Three patients with minor injuries treated at Nguyen Thi Thap General Hospital had been discharged.

The exact cause remains under investigation.