House fire kills elderly woman, son and daughter in HCM City

The fire at Alley 497, Thống Nhất Street, Ward 16, Gò Vấp District. — VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY — A house fire broke out late last night in HCM City’s Gò Vấp District, killing three people.

At around 11pm Saturday, residents living in Alley 497, Thống Nhất Street, Ward 16, Gò Vấp District heard a loud explosion. Many people ran to see a one-story house, about 25sq.m, in the alley engulfed in flames, shouting for help.

The local residential group, along with on-site forces, mobilised dozens of mini fire extinguishers to approach and control the fire. Smoke and fire from the motorbike parking area on the ground floor enveloped the house, making rescue efforts unsuccessful.

The alley only has one entrance and exit.

The police has identified three people trapped inside.

A few minutes later, the Fire Prevention and Fighting Police Team of Gò Vấp District arrived and extinguished the fire.

The police then discovered and retrieved three bodies from the burnt building, which were later identified to be a 93 years old woman, Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Nh., along with her two children, Trần Ngọc C. (52 years old), and Trần Ngọc Anh Th. (58 years old).

Nh. suffered from a stroke so she had to move around on wheelchair. C. took care of her daily needs, while Th. visits from time to time, according to the neighbours.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. — VNS