At around 12 noon on January 13, while cleaning up goods in the temporary market on Chien Thang Street (Tan Trieu Commune, Thanh Tri District, Hanoi) to go home for a nap, Ms. Le Thi Hoa suddenly heard several explosions.
Turning back, Ms. Hoa witnessed smoke and fire rising fiercely in the warehouse area less than 200m from the market.
"Many people around the area shouted when they saw the smoke and fire spreading," said Ms. Hoa.
Initial information showed that the fire broke out at a textile and plastic recycling warehouse, then spread to several other warehouses containing tissue paper and plywood.
Upon receiving the news, the authorities mobilized firefighting forces and equipment to the scene. However, due to the large fire, firefighting efforts encountered many difficulties.
According to the reporter at the scene, the fire caused serious damage to the entire corrugated iron roof of the factory building. The high temperature also caused the structure to warp and deform.
Police had to continuously spray water to cool the inside and prevent the fire from spreading.
Initially, authorities determined that there were no human casualties, and property damage is being assessed.
The cause of the fire is currently being investigated by authorities.
