Fire and explosion at scrap shop, 3 mother and children died

Hanoi: A house specializing in scrap metal business in Hong Ha urban area caught fire with a loud explosion, killing 3 family members on the afternoon of October 26.

At around 5:40 p.m., a fire broke out. The pressure from the burning house, located next to a main road in the Hong Ha urban area, Tu Hiep commune, Thanh Tri district, caused two people riding a motorbike in front of the house to fall.

Red flames engulfed the burning house. Photo: Pham Chieu — Red flames engulfed the burning house. Photo: *Pham Chieu*

According to a witness, when the fire broke out, there was a loud explosion like a gas tank exploding. At this time, the husband panicked and ran out from inside calling for help, then covered himself with a blanket and rushed into the fire to save his wife and children.

Because there were many flammable materials inside, the fire quickly engulfed the entire house. Black smoke rose dozens of meters high.

Three fire trucks and 20 firefighters were dispatched to the scene. After about 20 minutes, the fire was completely extinguished.

Authorities inspect the scene of the fire. Photo: Pham Chieu — Authorities inspect the scene of the fire. Photo: *Pham Chieu*

Thanh Tri District Police said the fire killed the mother (31 years old), two children aged 11 and 5; the husband (35 years old) suffered burns and is being treated at the hospital. The victims were from Nam Dinh. At 6:30 p.m., the bodies of the mother and children were taken to the ambulance.

The burned house was about 30 square meters wide, a temporary house built for scrap business. After the fire, the house completely collapsed, with furniture scattered around.

Objects scattered after the fire. Photo: Pham Chieu — Objects scattered after the fire. Photo: *Pham Chieu*

At 7:30 p.m., authorities sealed off the scene and used flashlights to check inside.

The initial cause was determined to be that the family used a specialized scrap press machine, which pressed a hairspray can causing an explosion, the fire spread to the area where the gas tank was stored, leading to a fire and explosion.