Hanoi police have initiated a murder investigation following a devastating fire at the "Hat Cho Nhau Nghe" café in Bac Tu Liem District that claimed 11 lives. The suspect, C.V.H., born in 1973 and residing in Dong Anh District, has been charged with arson and murder.

The fire broke out at 11:03 p.m. on December 18 at 258 Pham Van Dong Street. Emergency responders were alerted to multiple people trapped inside the burning café. Hanoi’s fire and rescue teams, alongside local authorities from Bac Tu Liem, Nam Tu Liem, Cau Giay, Thanh Xuan, and Tay Ho districts, were dispatched to the scene to extinguish the blaze and rescue victims.

By 11:40 p.m., the fire was brought under control. Seven people were rescued, five of whom were in stable condition, while two were hospitalized. Tragically, 11 people were found deceased at the scene.

Initial investigations suggest that the fire was deliberately set. The suspect, C.V.H., who has prior convictions for robbery and theft, was apprehended at approximately midnight on December 19.

Hanoi Police Director, Lieutenant General Nguyen Hai Trung, and senior officials from the city’s investigative units were present at the site to coordinate rescue efforts and oversee the inquiry. Hanoi's Party Secretary Bui Thi Minh Hoai also visited the scene to direct recovery efforts and ensure support for victims' families.

Authorities are working to determine the motives and circumstances behind the incident while also identifying the victims. Concurrently, local officials are providing assistance to the victims' families and addressing the aftermath of the tragedy.

Dinh Hieu