On the afternoon of October 20, a major fire broke out at an apartment in RiverGate Residence apartment building in Khanh Hoi ward, causing hundreds of residents to panic and flee.
According to initial information, at around 4pm the same day, smoke suddenly rose from an apartment on the 27th floor of the building. The fire quickly spread to the balcony and hallway, bringing thick black smoke to the entire area, threatening many surrounding apartments.
The fire alarm rang continuously, causing panic among residents living in the apartment building. Many people rushed out of the apartment, jostling to move by the stairs. Some people had to carry their children, while many others ran and coughed due to inhaling smoke.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Tham, a resident on the 13th floor, recounted that while she was riding an elevator, she heard the fire alarm.
"People jostled down the stairs, while the smoke was foggy, some were carrying children, and were very panicked. I was very scared while taking an elevator, luckily I escaped," said Ms. Tham.
Recorded at the scene, the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police (HCMC Police) quickly dispatched many fire trucks and dozens of officers and soldiers to the scene.
As of around 5 p.m., the fire control work was still being urgently deployed to prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring areas. At the same time, the authorities also organized a safety inspection of the area and instructed residents to return after the situation stabilized.
According to records at around 5:30 p.m., the fire was basically under control, the cause of the fire and specific damage are currently being investigated and clarified by the police.
