Although no fatalities were reported, the fire has caused a huge economic loss to the Vietnamese community in Berlin. Let’s hear more in the following.
These are remnants of the 7,000 square meter warehouse. According to German media, the warehouse contained a large amount of flammable chemical substances, which allowed the fire spread quickly. According to initial investigations, the cause of the fire may have been from a welding fire. Although the fire did not start inside the precinct of the Dong Xuan Centre, the Vietnamese community here have suffered a huge loss.
Nguyen Dinh Xuan, Shop owner said: “The fire here also affected other wholesale and retail store chains in Germany. Total economic losses have been estimated at millions of euros”.
Nguyen Van Hien, Director of Dong Xuan Centre said : “There are some here who have been running their businesses for 20 years, however, all their investments have gone in the fire”.
The Vietnamese community doing business here have called for support from Vietnamese associations of fellow-countrymen in Germany.
Chu Thi Chau, Chairwoman of Vietnamese Buddhist Association in Germany said: “I hope that the Vietnamese community supports the businesses in the Dong Xuan Centre both spiritually and materially, as this is a source of encouragement for businesses here”.
The centre is currently closed for further investigation. The Vietnamese community there are expecting to return to their businesses.
