The Quang Ngai market’s director, his deputy and 8 security guards have been suspended pending investigation into their responsibilities for the violent fire that burnt down the entire market last week.

The entire Quang Ngai market was consumed by the violent fire on February 9 , Photo: Tuoi Tre

The Quang Ngai Agricultural Products and Foodstuff Joint Stock Company, which manages the market, yesterday announced the suspension against Tran Quang Vinh, director, Nguyen Duc Vinh, deputy director, Nguyen Viet Hung, electrician, and chief security guard Luong Cong Hoang and his six subordinates.

They will be suspended for 3 months starting February 13. 

During the time of suspension, they must be present at the office of the market, 241 Le Trung Dinh Street to answer investigation queries and to do certain tasks to overcome consequences of the fire.

As reported earlier, the fire was first discovered at 5:15 am on February 9 by the market’s security guards.

At the time of fire, the market had 512 traders inside and about 200 others outside it.

Electrical sparks are thought to have caused the fire that started from the first floor but an official conclusion is yet to be issued.

The province’s fire fighting equipment were not adequate to battle the violent fire, which lasted for about 11 hours and burned down 682 stalls of goods worth about VND150 billion ($7.2 million).

On February 11, each affected trader received VND9 million (US$431) from the market managing company and VND5 million ($239) from the local government as initial supports.

Local authorities are calling for donations to further help the victims.

Several traders who suffered damage in the fire said they might sue the market management company for compensation.

“We paid managing fees to buy fire fighting equipment, which was completely useless in fighting this fire,” said Nguyen Thi Ti, a trader whose shop was ruined by the fire.

Source: Tuoi Tre