A leader of the Cho Lon Ward People’s Committee confirmed the incident to VietNamNet on Wednesday morning, saying the fire occurred at a house in an alley off Pham Huu Chi Street.

“The victims were members of the same family. The five injured people were taken to Cho Ray Hospital for emergency treatment. Authorities are examining the scene and investigating the cause of the fire,” the official said.

Initial information showed that the fire broke out at around 1:25 a.m. on Sept. 17. Seven people were inside the house at the time.

After hearing people shouting and calling for help, nearby residents rushed to assist in putting out the flames while alerting authorities.

Cho Lon Ward police responded to the scene and coordinated with Ho Chi Minh City’s fire prevention, firefighting and rescue police.

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Firefighters break through a wall to gain access to the burning house in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: PC07
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Police cordon off the scene of the fatal house fire in Cho Lon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: T.K.

Firefighters worked to contain the blaze, create access routes into the house and bring those trapped inside to safety.

The fire was brought under control and completely extinguished by 2:36 a.m.

Rescuers brought five injured people out of the burning house and transferred them to hospital for emergency treatment.

Two others, however, died in the fire.

One victim, identified by the initials N.T.G., was a 95-year-old woman who died on the ground floor. The other victim was found dead on the second floor.

Cho Lon Ward police have secured the scene and are working with specialized units of the Ho Chi Minh City police to examine the property and determine the cause of the fire.

Tuan Kiet