Hanoi ancient French villa collapse: second death reported [Update] hinh anh 1Victims of the accidents were taken out of the site. Photo: VNA
Another victim from the collapse of an ancient French villa in Hanoi’s Tran Hung Dao street on September 22 was reported dead after being trapped in the rubble for nearly five hours, bringing the fatalities in the accident to two.

The deceased, Tran Thi Nga, 36, was believed to be the last victim to be pulled out from under the collapse. Five injured victims have been hospitalised.

Earlier, Le Thi Huong, 46, who was a vegetable saleswoman on the first floor of the villa, died of serious injuries sustained in the accident.

Authorised forces are still on the scene carrying out rescue efforts, evaluating losses and investigating the cause of the accident.

The two-storey villa, located at No. 107 Tran Hung Dao street, Hoan Kiem district, is currently managed by the Zone 1 Railway Project Management Board.
Hanoi ancient French villa collapse: second death reported [Update] hinh anh 2At the accident site. Photo: VNA
According to Nguyen Quoc Hoa, Vice Chairman of the Hoan Kiem district People’s Committee, the affected households surrounding the villa have been evacuated and are being temporarily housed elsewhere.

Each injured will receive 1.5 million VND (67 USD) in aidand the families of the deceased will be supported with five million VND (222 USD) each, said Hoa.

Deputy Minister of Construction Le Quang Hung has also been present at the site to inspect the case and direct rescue teams.

Surrounding residents held that the degraded villa was soaked after long and heavy rain on the night of September 21, leading to the accident.

According to statistics, Hanoi has 1,586 ancient French villas, including 562 private-owned ones, 1,024 State-owned ones.-VNA
VNA