VietNamNet Bridge – The second storey of an old French colonial villa on Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi suddenly collapsed at around 1pm today. At least two people were reportedly dead and six were injured. The last victim was found in the rubble at around 6pm.

The 300sq.m villa was built by the French in the early 20th century and it is listed as a work of conservation.  It is located in a small alley, about 50m from Tran Hung Dao Road and around 200m from the Hanoi Railway Station.

The villa is managed by the Region 1 Railway Management Board, a subsidiary of the Vietnam Railway Corporation.

Ms. Luu Thi Lien, deputy director of the Hanoi Health Department, said that six victims were transferred to the three hospital of Vietnam - Germany, Bach Mai and Hanoi Heart. The fatalities were two middle-aged women.

Doan Duy Hoach, deputy general director of the Vietnam Railway Corporation, said after the heavy rain this morning, the house leaked badly, and 35 employees of the Region 1 Railway Management Board left the house. However, some neighborhood residents were affected.

Hoach said the house collapsed because it was too old, while the rain last night and this early morning was very heavy.

Hanoi authorities sent 10 fire engines and five ambulances to the scene. Police officers and soldiers are searching for the victims trapped in the rubble.

Le Ha