Shock and grief in Hanoi as a suspected arson attack at a three-story cafe claims 11 lives, leaving the city searching for answers.

A devastating fire at a three-story cafe and karaoke bar in Hanoi claimed the lives of 11 people, leaving the community in mourning.

Authorities have detained a man in his early 50s, who confessed to starting the fire using gasoline following a dispute with the cafe staff, according to Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security.

The fire broke out on the ground floor late Wednesday evening and quickly engulfed the building. Firefighters worked through the night to extinguish the flames and rescue survivors. Seven people were saved from the scene, with two hospitalized for injuries. Despite their efforts, the blaze caused significant destruction.

Witnesses described the horrifying intensity of the fire and the helplessness they felt as the flames consumed the building. "The flames were so fierce," one witness told local media. "We saw the fire engulfing everything, but there was nothing we could do."

Footage from the scene captured firefighters battling the blaze and recovering victims' bodies. The building, now heavily damaged and covered in tarpaulin, remains a crime scene as investigations continue.

Local authorities are working to understand the full scope of the tragedy while the community grieves the loss of life in this horrific incident.

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