Minh, 46, faces charges of violating fire prevention regulations, while other defendants are accused of negligence.

The trial, presided over by Judge Dang Manh Cam Yen, is expected to last three days. All eight defendants, 12 lawyers, and 72 victims were present in court, while 12 victims were absent.

According to the indictment, Minh illegally expanded the nine-story building on Khuong Ha street beyond its permitted design, adding extra floors and failing to comply with fire safety regulations. By the time of the fire, the building housed 147 residents in 45 apartments. Around 70-80 motorbikes and electric bicycles were parked on the first floor.

The fire, caused by a short circuit in the battery charging area, spread rapidly, destroying the building. Firefighters managed to put it out by 12:15 a.m. on September 13. The blaze killed 56 people, injured 44 others, and caused over VND3.2 billion in property damage.

Despite previous fire safety violations, local authorities failed to take decisive action. Victims' families are seeking over VND19.7 billion in compensation, while residents are requesting more than VND56 billion for property losses. The medical expenses of injured victims were covered by the State, but they are claiming an additional VND2.7 billion in compensation.

Top leader extends condolences to families of Hanoi apartment fire victims

VOV.VN - Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong on September 14 extended his deepest condolences to families of the victims of the recent tragic fire which burned a mini apartment building in Hanoi one day earlier.