The Hanoi People’s Court has scheduled the trial of the mini apartment fire in Thanh Xuan District for March 10, marking a crucial step in seeking justice for the 56 victims who perished in the tragedy.

The building owner, Nghiem Quang Minh (born 1979), is charged with violating fire prevention regulations.

Additionally, six former officials, including two former deputy chairmen of Khuong Dinh Ward and former members of the district’s construction inspection team, face charges of negligence leading to severe consequences.

Illegal construction and ignored fire hazards

The mini apartment building at 37, Alley 29/70, Khuong Ha Street was illegally expanded beyond its permit, increasing from six to nine floors and accommodating 147 residents in 45 apartments.

Despite repeated warnings from local authorities about serious fire safety violations, no corrective action was taken.

From 2018 to 2020, Thanh Xuan District authorities recorded multiple fire code violations at the site, stating the building posed a significant fire hazard. However, no decisive action was taken to enforce compliance.

On the night of September 12, 2023, a short circuit in an electric battery system on the first floor sparked the fire. The flames rapidly spread to electrical wires and motorbikes parked on the ground floor, engulfing the building in smoke and fire.

Despite desperate rescue efforts, 56 people perished, and 44 others were injured. Property losses amounted to over 3.2 billion VND (approximately $130,000).

Victims seek over 78 billion VND in damages

Families of the 56 deceased victims have filed for 19.7 billion VND ($800,000) in compensation, while 44 survivors are demanding 2.7 billion VND ($110,000) for medical expenses and trauma recovery.

Furthermore, residents are seeking over 56 billion VND ($2.3 million) in property damages, including the loss of their apartments, personal belongings, cash, and gold stored in the building.

As the trial approaches, public attention is focused on the building owner and negligent officials, whose failure to enforce fire safety laws led to Vietnam’s deadliest urban fire in recent years.

The Hanoi People’s Court will assess the evidence, determine responsibility, and rule on both criminal and financial penalties. The verdict could set a precedent for stricter enforcement of building safety laws in Vietnam.

T. Nhung