Building collapses in downtown HCMC, burying one worker

The incident occurred around 11 a.m. at the building on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, around 1 km from Ben Thanh Market.

The concrete floor of the first floor unexpectedly collapsed as there was a group of workers inside.

 

 

Building collapses in downtown HCMC, burying one worker

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The collapse sent bricks and debris crashing to the ground floor, blocking the building’s entrances. Several pillars were broken, and steel rods and rebars were scattered across the site.

One worker, a 33-year-old man, was seriously injured by a large concrete slab and was quickly assisted by bystanders, who helped transport him to hospital.

Thanh Tuan, a local resident, noted that the building had been under repair for nearly a month. Typically, about 15 workers were present, but fewer were on-site that morning.

The aftermath of a building collapse in HCMC’s District 1, Aug. 27, 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Minh Bang

“The collapse was deafening and shook the area like an earthquake, with dust covering the entire vicinity. Those nearby scrambled to escape,” Tuan said. He added that the building had previously been leased to a bank branch, which has recently vacated the premises.

According to a worker involved in the repairs, there were about eight people inside the building at the time of the collapse, but most were standing on the ground floor in the rear area and managed to escape unharmed. The worker who was trapped by the concrete was near the building’s entrance.

A worker suffering severe injuries is taken to hospital. Photo by VnExpress/Minh Bang

Le Duc Thanh, Chairman of the People’s Committee of District 1, stated that the construction unit had received official permission to carry out the repairs. The district is currently investigating whether the work was conducted in compliance with the permit.