A late night fire at a small vegetarian restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City has left a mother and her young daughter dead, despite desperate rescue attempts by neighbors and local authorities.
The incident occurred on March 23 on Pham Dang Giang Street, where thick smoke and flames quickly engulfed the property, trapping the victims inside.
Neighbors raced to break in as fire spread
Local residents rushed to help, using tools to try to force open the front door, which was locked from the inside. Despite repeated attempts with crowbars and improvised equipment, there was no response from within.
With only a single entrance, the victims had no alternative escape route.
Explosions forced rescuers to retreat
As neighbors and first responders worked to cut through the lock, loud popping sounds were heard from inside, believed to be small gas canisters exploding.
The blasts intensified the fire, sending flames surging outward and forcing rescuers to pull back for safety.
Efforts to contain the fire using water pumps proved ineffective as flames spread rapidly through a wooden upper level inside the building.
Fire brought under control within minutes
The blaze was brought under control within approximately 15 minutes. However, when firefighters entered the building, they discovered the bodies of a 48 year old woman and her 9 year old daughter.
Their remains were later transferred for forensic examination as authorities began investigating the cause of the fire.
A small family business, a devastating loss
According to local residents, the victim had operated the vegetarian restaurant at the location for more than five years. Family members often worked together, though at the time of the incident only the mother and child were inside.
The tragedy has deeply affected the surrounding community, where neighbors had attempted to intervene but were ultimately unable to overcome the intensity of the fire.
Investigation underway
Authorities have cordoned off the site and are reviewing surveillance footage while collecting witness statements to determine the cause of the blaze.
The presence of flammable materials and possible gas related explosions are among the factors being examined.
The bottom line
The incident is a stark reminder of how quickly fires can escalate in confined spaces, particularly in buildings with limited exits.
Despite rapid response and community efforts, the combination of structural constraints and intense heat left little chance for escape, turning a routine evening into a devastating loss.
Source: Vietnam Insider