According to initial information, the fire erupted from inside the apartment and quickly spread, with a column of black smoke rising tens of meters high. Because the collective housing complex was built many years ago, the narrow access paths and many unpermitted extensions made it difficult for emergency crews to approach the scene.
Immediately after receiving the report, the Fire Prevention, Firefighting, and Rescue forces dispatched several specialized vehicles along with officers and soldiers to the scene to carry out firefighting operations, organize traffic control, and guide residents to safe evacuation.
Many residents living in the collective housing complex reported that at the time of the fire, thick smoke filled the stairwell and hallway areas. Some households had to quickly move downstairs to avoid smoke inhalation.
By around 11:10 a.m. on the same day, the fire was largely brought under control. Emergency personnel continued to spray water to cool the area and prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent apartments.
According to initial records, the fire caused no casualties, but many belongings inside the apartment were burned. The cause of the incident is currently under investigation by the authorities.
The fire serves as another warning about the risk of fire safety hazards in old collective housing complexes in Hanoi. Many buildings have deteriorated after decades of use, while outdated electrical systems, unpermitted “cage” extensions, and high population density create constant potential fire risks.
