Cao Van Hung, a 50-year-old man from Hanoi’s Dong Anh District, has confessed to deliberately setting a fire at a karaoke venue on Pham Van Dong Street that killed 11 people and injured four others.

Hung revealed that on the evening of December 18, he visited the karaoke bar to drink beer but got into an argument with other patrons. The dispute escalated, and Hung was physically assaulted. Furious, he left the venue, took a taxi to Co Nhue Market, and purchased gasoline in a plastic container.

At around 11 p.m., Hung returned to the karaoke venue, poured gasoline inside, and ignited the fire. The blaze quickly spread, consuming motorcycles and other items on the ground floor, blocking the main exit and trapping people inside. Many victims fled to upper floors but were unable to escape, leading to 11 fatalities and multiple injuries.

The fire was reported at 11:03 p.m., and Hanoi’s firefighting and rescue teams from various districts promptly responded. Despite their efforts, the fire caused significant casualties and damage.

Hung was apprehended shortly after the incident. On the morning of December 19, Hanoi police charged him with murder under Vietnam’s penal code. Investigators revealed that Hung has prior convictions for robbery and theft.

Bui Thi Minh Hoai, Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, and Lieutenant General Nguyen Hai Trung, Director of Hanoi Police, were present at the scene to oversee firefighting and recovery operations.

Authorities are working to identify all victims and ensure Hung is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. This tragedy has drawn widespread attention to safety regulations and the need for stricter enforcement at public venues.

Tien Dung