Fire Under Vinh Tuy Bridge Destroys 500 Motorbikes in Hanoi

HANOI — A massive fire broke out at a parking lot beneath Vinh Tuy Bridge on August 30, destroying an estimated 500 motorbikes but causing no casualties, local authorities confirmed.

Blaze Spreads Rapidly Beneath the Bridge

According to the People’s Committee of Hong Ha Ward, the fire started around 335 Nguyen Khoai Street, near pillar T2 of the bridge. Witnesses reported flames initially breaking out at an electrical booth before quickly spreading to the nearby parking area.

Mr. Pham Van D., who was working at an auto garage opposite the lot, said he and several others tried to contain the fire with extinguishers and water hoses, but the flames spread too rapidly. Firefighters were called shortly after as the blaze engulfed the entire 300 m² site.

While hundreds of motorbikes were reduced to ashes, authorities confirmed no cars were damaged and no human injuries were reported.

Parking Lot Operators Under Investigation

The facility where the fire occurred was being operated jointly by Hanoi Parking Exploitation Co., Ltd. and Giang Linh Transport & Logistics Co., Ltd. The lot was located directly under the bridge, raising concerns about fire safety standards.

Local authorities and representatives from the Hanoi Department of Construction inspected the site soon after the fire. The blaze’s heat was so intense that sections of the bridge’s concrete peeled off, leaving exposed steel reinforcement.

Officials have pledged to conduct a full structural assessment of Vinh Tuy Bridge to determine the extent of the damage. Police are also investigating whether the parking lot had the proper permits and met fire safety regulations.

Public Safety Concerns

The incident has sparked renewed debate about the risks of using space beneath bridges for parking and storage. Many residents expressed concern over safety violations and the potential impact on critical infrastructure.

Authorities have urged people to avoid the area while inspections continue. Further updates on the bridge’s condition and responsibilities of the operators are expected in the coming days.

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Source: Vietnam Insider