A fire in a cafe in Hanoi killed eleven people on Wednesday night, authorities said.
The Vietnam Ministry of Public Security said on Thursday the police have arrested a man suspected of starting the fire after authorities responded to reports of a blaze at 11:00 pm (1600 GMT), where many people were feared trapped.
“The police suspect that the cafe was (deliberately) burned down and … have arrested the perpetrator,” Hanoi police said in a statement.
According to the police, the man admitted to lighting a fire using gasoline on the ground floor of the three-story cafe. The incident occurred after he had an argument with staff members of the eatery.
Intense fire hindered rescue attempts
Witnesses told local media that the blaze was initially too intense for any kind of rescue attempt.
“We were shouting for the victims trapped, but we heard no ask for help from inside the building,” a witness said.
“The fire blocked all the exits. The smell of gasoline was strong,” another witness said.
Authorities said they did manage to rescue seven people, with two of them hospitalized.
ss/jsi (AFP, Reuters)
Cafe fire kills 11, police arrest suspect – DW – 12/19/2024
Infantino visits Caribbean event despite request from FIFA vice president
Gianni Infantino attended an Under-14 football event in the Caribbean despite a request from CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani to reconsider, citing concerns over FIFA’s governance
Iran warns neighbours against joining US economic efforts, declares retaliation possible
An official has stated that any state aligning with the US would be deemed an enemy, with Tehran indicating it would target their interests in