Four victims have been identified following the tragic fire at Bismark House mill in Oldham on 7 May 2022. The remains of the victims were discovered at the site of the destroyed mill, confirming the loss of Uoc Van Nguyen, Cuong Van Chu, Duong Van Nguyen, and Nam Thanh Lee.
A file has been submitted to His Majesty’s Coroner, with inquests scheduled to open in the coming weeks. Police are continuing their investigation to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the fire and to deliver justice.
Details about the victims’ last contacts have been revealed: Uoc Van Nguyen maintained regular contact with his wife until the day of the fire, stating he was inside the mill at the time. Cuong Van Chu, who arrived in the UK in June 2019, had been in touch with his wife and children but went silent after 7 May 2022. Duong Van Nguyen came to the UK about a year before the fire and last spoke to his family a month prior, mentioning he was living in an abandoned house while searching for work. Nam Thanh Lee arrived in January 2022 and last contacted family on 4 May 2022, saying he was living in a derelict house in “Dam,” believed to be in Oldham, while seeking employment.
Since the remains were found on 23 July 2022, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have been conducting thorough searches of the mill site. In autumn, eight GMP officers travelled to Vietnam to collect statements and DNA samples, interviewing 18 individuals across several regions and working closely with Vietnamese authorities.
The criminal investigation remains open. Two suspects arrested earlier in the case are currently on bail as inquiries continue.
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, Gold Commander for Operation Logan, said: “Our thoughts are with the families in Vietnam. This identification is a milestone, but our work is far from over. We are leaving no stone unturned to get justice for these men.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 or, in emergencies, 999. International callers can dial +44 161 872 5050. Tips can also be submitted in English or Vietnamese through the Major Incident Public Portal. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Originally published by UKNIP.
