At around 3:20 AM on April 28, a devastating fire broke out at a three-story house with a rooftop terrace located deep within an alley in Dinh Cong Ha, Hoang Mai District, Hanoi, resulting in the deaths of three people and injuries to one other.

The Hanoi 114 Emergency Command Center received the fire report and immediately dispatched seven specialized fire trucks along with officers from the Fire Prevention, Fighting, and Rescue Police Division to the scene. They coordinated closely with local authorities, Dinh Cong Ward police, and residents to combat the blaze.

Senior leaders of the Hanoi Police were present at the site to direct firefighting and rescue operations. However, the narrow location of the house, approximately 30 meters from the main road, posed significant challenges. Thick smoke and toxic gases further hampered the efforts.

Witnesses described a frantic scene. Vu Tien Long, a nearby resident who joined others in trying to extinguish the flames, recalled that upon discovering the fire, around ten people rushed to assist. Inside the burning house, an elderly woman’s cries for help could be heard. However, the building’s tube-style construction, combined with the presence of "iron cages"  -  metal bars encasing the house for security  -  made it nearly impossible to reach the victims.

"The fire was too intense. Our handheld fire extinguishers couldn't contain it, so we used a water hose from inside another house while waiting for the firefighters," Long said.

According to Long, the fire had started on the second floor. Despite desperate efforts, the surrounding iron cages prevented any successful rescue attempts. "The heat from the fire shattered the second-floor windows, causing glass to rain down, forcing those below to retreat for safety," Long added.

Another female witness shared that while many rushed to help, using whatever tools they had, they were ultimately powerless to save the trapped victims. "One person managed to escape and shouted for help, and everyone nearby tried their best to put out the flames and rescue the others, but we couldn't reach them in time," she said.

Firefighters at the scene acted swiftly, rescuing one injured person who was transferred to Bach Mai Hospital for emergency treatment. By 3:46 AM, the blaze was largely extinguished. Tragically, three victims were found deceased, likely due to smoke inhalation.

The Director of the Hanoi Police has ordered an urgent investigation into the cause of the fire. Authorities are also working with local agencies and the community to support the victims' families and address the aftermath.

This tragedy underscores the hidden dangers of "iron cage" structures that, while intended for security, can become fatal traps during emergencies.

The incident has left the Dinh Cong Ha community shaken, as they mourn the loss of their neighbors and reflect on the importance of fire safety measures in densely packed urban areas.

Dinh Hieu