On the morning of March 14, the first-instance trial panel of the Hanoi People’s Court announced verdicts for eight defendants involved in the fire that occurred on Khuong Ha street, Thanh Xuan District, resulting in 56 deaths and 44 injuries.

Minh, 45, was convicted of violating fire prevention and fighting regulations and received the highest sentence among the defendants.

Several former officials from Khuong Dinh Ward and Thanh Xuan District’s Construction Inspection Team were found guilty of negligence causing serious consequences and were handed prison terms accordingly.

Regarding civil liabilities, Minh was ordered to pay over VND 23.7 billion in compensation for property damage, loss of life, and injuries suffered by the building’s residents. He must also cover funeral expenses, financial support for the victims' families, and emotional damages.

Minh was not asked to pay medical expenses for the injured, as these costs had already been covered by the Hanoi People’s Committee.

Despite sustaining injuries in the incident, several firefighters did not request compensation, leading the court to refrain from dealing with the matter.

Hanoi mini apartment fire trial begins, owner faces charges

VOV.VN - The Hanoi People's Court on March 9 began the trial of Nghiem Quang Minh, owner of the mini apartment building that caught fire in Thanh Xuan district on September 12 last year, killing 56 people.