Hanoi (VNA) - The Hanoi People's Court opened the first-instance trial on March 10, bringing eight defendants to justice over the deadly fire that engulfed a nine-story mini apartment building on Khuong Ha street, Khuong Dinh ward, Thanh Xuan district, Hanoi.

The blaze, which erupted on the night of September 12, 2023, claimed 56 lives and left 44 others injured.

At the heart of the case is Nghiem Quang Minh, the 46-year-old owner of the building, who faces charges from the Hanoi People's Procuracy for "violating fire prevention and firefighting regulations" under Article 313, Clause 3 of the Penal Code.

The remaining defendants, including former officials from Khuong Dinh ward and the former head of the district construction inspection team, are charged with showing lack of responsibility that led to these dire consequences under Article 360, Clause 3 of the Penal Code.

A total of 12 lawyers defended the legitimate rights and interests of the accused, while 10 individuals with related rights and obligations joined 72 victims or their representatives. Twelve victims and their representatives, however, were absent.

According to the verdict, Minh secured a construction permit from the Thanh Xuan district People's Committee on March 11, 2015 for a family house on a 240 sq.m land lot, comprising six floors with 33 rooms. Yet, from May to December 2015, Minh flouted regulations, altered the building's design to add three additional floors and increase the total to nine, resulting in 45 rooms - 12 more than permitted - without proper design approval or fire safety compliance.

By late 2016, all 45 apartments were sold and occupied, with 147 residents living in the building. After selling the apartments, Minh then stepped back, insisting management and usage rights belonged to the residents. The first floor, spanning 167.4 sq.m, became a parking area for 70-80 motorbikes and electric bicycles, creating a hazardous environment.

Between August 2018 and June 2020, the district public security flagged multiple fire safety violations at the building, warning that these could lead to fire and explosions. Tragically, the fire erupted around 11:20pm on September 12, 2023, triggered by a short circuit in the electrical wiring near the battery area on the first floor. The flames quickly spread to the electric cables and boxes, overwhelming the fire extinguisher available on the first floor and resulting in an extensive damage exceeding 3.2 billion VND (126,000 USD).

Following the incident, victims and representatives of the deceased are now demanding over 79 billion VND in compensation for property damages and related losses.

The trial is scheduled to last three days./.