VietNamNet Bridge – The Hoi Son temple in HCM City was reduced to ashes on the evening of July 17. The loss is invaluable, said the temple’s manager, Reverand Thich Thien Hao.

The temple was in a blackout at 9.30pm of July 17. Nearly one hour later, someone called out that the temple was in fire.

The temple was located on a hill so it was difficult to control the flame. The wood-made temple of more than 300 sq.m was quickly covered by fire.

Around 30 minutes later, five fire-trucks and dozens of fire-fighters went to the temple. They pumped water from the nearby Dong Nai River to stamp out the fire. The fire was controlled before it spread to adjacent houses.

The fire caused no casualties but the entire temple was burnt down, along with more than 30 ancient Buddha statues, 15 altars, hundreds of prayer books, several boxes containing money donated by Buddhist followers and many worshipping instruments. A hundred sets of remains of Buddhists were also reduced to ashes.

The Hoi Son Temple is located on a hill of 15m high. It was built in the 18th century by Buddhist priest Khanh Long. The temple is the home to many valuable antiques. It was rated as a national architectural and art relic.

The temple’s situation is in a very nice site, so it welcomes hundreds of visitors and Buddhists each day.

Police are investigating the fire.

Tran Chanh Nghia