The fire, which broke out Sunday evening, sent plumes of thick black smoke into the sky and raged for hours as firefighters battled to bring it under control. By the time it was extinguished, the scene was one of total destruction, with rows of charred frames being all that remained of the nearly 500 motorbikes and small number of cars parked there.
According to the initial investigation report released today, the fire likely originated from a faulty electrical system in one motorbike and quickly spread to adjacent vehicles, fueled by gasoline and plastic components.
In response to the catastrophic event, leaders of the Hanoi People's Committee have issued urgent directives for a swift and thorough investigation to officially determine the cause and clarify accountability.
Furthermore, the city government has ordered a sweeping, city-wide review of fire prevention and safety protocols at all parking lots, with a particular focus on the thousands of informal or semi-official lots located under bridges, in apartment building basements, and in other high-risk areas across the densely populated capital.
The incident has highlighted growing concerns among residents and officials about the safety of these essential but often overcrowded parking areas. For millions of Hanoians, motorbikes are the primary mode of transportation and a vital asset for their livelihood, making the financial and logistical impact of the fire profound for the victims. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to finalize the damage assessment and implement new safety measures to prevent a similar disaster in the future.
