Four people were killed and three others were injured when two containers of fireworks exploded at 11:40am, October 6 near the My Dinh National Stadium.

This is one of 29 sites in the capital where firework showcases are planned for Hanoi’s 1,000-year birthday anniversary on October 10. The firework shipment was on the way to the stadium to serve the firework displays at the My Dinh Stadium on October 10.

Six hours after the explosion, Vietnam News Agency cited Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Duc Nhanh, deputy head of the Security General Department II and director of the Hanoi Police Department, as saying that the reason for the blast was due to the carelessness during the transportation of the two containers of fireworks which were imported by Hanoi-based International Investment Trade and Service Company (Interserco).

Nhanh said that it was a regrettable accident but would not affect work to ensure security for the capital city’s celebrations. Hanoi Police Agency Right sent eight fire trucks to the site to extinguish fires, protect and examine the scene as well as take injured people to hospital.

According to some local newspapers, a column of smoke rose highly after the blast, covering a vast area. The blast shook nearby houses.

At the Hanoi Elite Athlete Training Centre which is located very near the site, glass windows of many rooms were broken. Some athletes there said that the blast was as strong as ventilation fans in some rooms felt to the floor.

Fifteen minutes after the explosion, the site was blockaded. Many fire trucks arrived to extinguish fires and ambulances brought victims to the Sports Hospital which is around 500m from the site.

A representative of the firework importing company, Interserco, told VNExpress online newspaper that the firm is urgently importing fireworks to compensate the volume in two containers which were exploded.

Interserco imported three containers of fireworks from Italy, the US and China, including some types of fireworks that have never been used in Vietnam.

The firework show on October 10 will be the largest show in Vietnam so far, which will use the latest technology from Germany and Singapore.

The show is organized by Interserco and Singapore-based Glorious group.

PV