On the afternoon of January 18, Ho Chi Minh City’s functional forces were still conducting a blockade and investigation inside the Circle K store located on Vinh Hoi Street (District 4) to clarify the cause.
The goods have been brought outside, but the inside of the iron and steel shop is still messy, making the investigation difficult.
As a witness to the incident, Ms. Thuy (the owner of the cafe next door) said that this morning she was startled by a very loud rumble coming from the Circle K store.
Immediately after, thick smoke rose from the store. At this time, a pair of men and women with messy hair rushed out from inside the store to escape. Looking up at the upstairs window, Ms. Thuy saw a girl smashing the glass in fear, screaming for help. She quickly shouted for everyone to run to help.
A few people nearby rushed to help, but at this time, everything in the shop was very chaotic. Many guests tried to get out. People do not dare to go deep inside for fear that the shop may collapse at any time.
After that, the functional forces were present to prevent people from going inside because of possible danger.
According to many people living nearby, this shop was renovated 2 months ago.
As reported by VietNamNet, the store collapse occurred at 9am today, killing a 9th grade female student.
According to information from Ms. Do Thi Truc Mai – Vice Chairman of District 4 People’s Committee, as of this afternoon, the procedure to bring the girl in distress home for burial has not been completed.
The female student’s mother is in an unstable mental state when she receives bad news about her daughter. The school and the homeroom teacher of the female student went to the family to visit and encourage.