Shocked witness recounts gas explosion that injured 4 people in Hanoi

At around 10am on August 15, a large explosion occurred at house number 42 on Yen Phu Lon Street (Ba Dinh, Hanoi ). At the scene, police confirmed that 4 people were injured and were taken to the Saint Paul General Hospital for emergency treatment.

The scene of devastation after the explosion

Mr. Nghiem Xuan Tuyen was still shocked when he witnessed the incident. He said that at that time, a very loud explosion came from house number 42, causing people around to panic and run away, broken glass scattered all over the street.

"I saw two people running out of the house, one with burns all over his body, the other bleeding profusely. Another person was injured lying on the street and was hit by flying glass," said Mr. Tuyen.

According to Mr. Tuyen, at least two people walking about 300 meters away from the scene were also slightly injured by flying glass fragments.

The motorbike fell over and debris was scattered on the main Yen Phu road.

A woman living about 50 meters from the scene said that after the loud explosion, smoke filled the street, and debris and furniture were scattered everywhere.

"I was shocked to witness the unprecedented devastation. At that time, I did not dare run near the scene for fear of another explosion. I could only stand at home and watch the incident," the woman said.

Authorities blocked off the scene of the incident.

According to VietNamNet reporters, immediately after the explosion occurred, the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police force of Ba Dinh District Police arrived at the scene to rescue and search for the victims.

By nearly 12 noon the same day, the authorities had sealed off the entire scene. The Fire and Rescue Police force coordinated with the Urban Environment Company to clean up the debris thrown from the explosion.

Initially, authorities determined the explosion was caused by gas. Four injured people were taken to the Saint Paul General Hospital for emergency treatment.

According to information from the Saint Paul General Hospital, 3 out of 4 patients with severe burns were transferred to the National Burn Institute for treatment. The remaining patient is in a less serious condition and is being treated at the hospital.

Ba Dinh District Police are investigating the cause of the explosion.

Source