The fire, which broke out on May 24, was traced to an electrical short circuit in the front of an electric motorbike. This short circuit ignited the insulation layer and quickly spread to surrounding motorbikes.

Major General Tung provided a comprehensive overview of the investigation process. The Hanoi City Police, in coordination with the Investigation Agency of the City People's Procuracy, the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department, the Institute of Criminal Science, and the Office of the Investigation Police Agency (Ministry of Public Security), promptly initiated an investigation following the fire.

The investigation determined that the fire began due to an electrical short circuit in the power line area of the front of an electric motorbike, which then spread to nearby motorbikes. Major General Tung affirmed the accuracy of these findings.

On May 25, the Investigation Police Agency initiated a criminal case for violating fire prevention and fighting regulations. The agency is focusing on two main areas:

1. The primary responsibility for the boarding house's rental and operation fell on Ms. Nguyen Thi Thao (the organizer of the rental) and her son, Mr. Nguyen Kim Hung, the homeowner. Unfortunately, both perished in the fire, thus exempting them from criminal liability. However, the investigation is ongoing to determine the responsibility of other involved individuals.

2. The agency is also investigating the roles of state management and construction order regarding fire prevention and fighting for boarding houses. Collaboration with the Procuracy is ongoing to collect evidence and documents for this aspect of the investigation.

Major General Tung emphasized the commitment to "no forbidden zones, no cover-ups," ensuring a thorough investigation to set an example and educate the public. The approach is similar to how the fire in Thanh Xuan district, which claimed 56 lives, was handled.

Hanoi has reviewed 3,103 buildings that had not been inspected for fire prevention, identifying 9,466 violations. Since implementing the general inspection plan, 939 violating buildings have been addressed, and 3,564 existing violations resolved. For high-rise buildings, 91 out of 1,386 violated fire prevention regulations, and 67 of these have since been brought up to standard.

Hanoi Police, in coordination with relevant authorities, will continue to inspect and handle violations strictly, ensuring compliance with fire prevention and fighting regulations. Temporary suspensions will be enforced for apartments and high-rise buildings that do not meet safety standards.

Addressing the issue of "tiger cages" at apartment buildings (makeshift extensions often added to balconies), Deputy Director of the Department of Construction Nguyen The Cong clarified that there are no standards or regulations for constructing these cages. They are typically built after the initial acceptance of the building, making local authorities responsible for managing and regulating them. The opening of emergency exits is also being reviewed to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.

The Trung Kinh fire incident: The fire, which started around 12:30 AM on May 24, engulfed a 200m² area, including a 2-storey house with an attic and a 3-storey boarding house with 17 tenants. The fire claimed the lives of 14 individuals, including 2 members of the homeowner's family and 12 tenants.

Tran Thuong