Deadly Ho Chi Minh City apartment fire caused by short circuit: police

The fire broke out at around 10:30 pm on Sunday on the ground floor of the apartment building located in Alley 80 on Do Doc Long Street in Phu Tho Hoa Ward, formerly part of Tan Phu District.

The blaze claimed the lives of eight people, including two children, and destroyed several vehicles in two adjacent apartments 0.19 and 0.20 on the ground floor.

Firefighters arrived promptly and rescued other trapped residents, but those in the two affected units had already succumbed by the time responders broke through the flames.

Nguyen Van Duoc, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City administration, and Major General Nguyen Thanh Huong, deputy director of the municipal police department, visited the scene and directed recovery efforts.

Local authorities also met with victims' families to offer support and condolences.

According to the municipal police department, the fire began when a power line, which was self-installed by the apartment 0.20 owner to supply electricity to their household devices, short-circuited, igniting a blaze that quickly spread to neighboring apartment 0.19.

The Doc Lap apartment building was built in 2008 with no designated emergency exits for ground-floor apartments.

Investigators also noted that apartments in this complex featured unauthorized extensions and caged balconies that blocked potential escape routes.

Police officers are continuing their investigation into the deadly fire.

Despite previous public fire safety campaigns and inspections, officials said that some residents continue to neglect fire safety regulations.

Police urge residents to avoid unsafe electrical installations and to use certified wires and appliances suited to proper capacity.

They also recommend regular checks of old wiring and compliance with building fire safety codes, including providing emergency exits.