An inquest into the deaths of four Vietnamese men at a mill fire in Oldham revealed they were likely involved in a cannabis farm and were possibly locked inside. The investigation uncovered details of their lives, their struggles to find work, and their communication with families in Vietnam. The court heard that the fire was likely started in a unit used for growing cannabis. The case highlights the dangers of exploitation and illicit activities.
An inquest revealed the tragic deaths of four Vietnamese men who perished in a fire at Bismark House Mill in Derker, Oldham, in May 2022. The court heard that all four individuals, Uoc Van Nguyen, Cuong Van Chu, Duong Van Nguyen, and Nam Thanh Lee, were suspected to be involved in the criminal cultivation of cannabis. Evidence suggested they were likely locked inside a unit within the mill.
The inquest, held at Rochdale Coroners' Court, provided details about the circumstances surrounding the blaze and the lives of the victims. Family members were informed that the men were working in a factory and were not permitted to leave, highlighting a pattern of exploitation and confinement. Firefighters battled the inferno for four days, and human remains were discovered weeks later during demolition work. This delay sparked a major police investigation, with 92 fragments of partial human remains identified after a thorough search of 5,000 tonnes of rubble. The investigation indicated the existence of a cannabis farm inside the unit, as evidenced by the discovery of cannabis paraphernalia, including lighting, compost bags, and plant remains, by investigators from an insurance company. Station Manager John Duffin of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service stated that the fire's origin was likely within the cannabis farm, and that video evidence revealed burnt plants, soil, carbon filters, and wiring. The presence of butane canisters, often used in cannabis production, further supported this conclusion. The fire service's initial information indicated that the building was locked, secure, and unoccupied, and therefore the scale of the human tragedy was not initially realized. The men had all left Vietnam seeking employment and a better life, sending money back to their families. The investigation uncovered the men's communications with their families through Facebook Messenger and video calls. The details revealed a desperate search for work and a desire to escape difficult circumstances in Vietnam. The investigation revealed that Duong Van Nguyen, told his parents he was living in an 'abandoned house' looking for work. Nam Thanh Lee's family also knew that their son wanted to leave Vietnam for 'a better life'. Uoc Van Nguyen communicated with his family, informing them of his work in an abandoned warehouse and that he was not allowed to leave. The court heard that Uoc Van Nguyen, told his family he was 'working in an abandoned warehouse'. The families were unaware of how their loved ones had entered the UK. The Vietnamese embassy authorized the repatriation of the victims' remains in June 2023. The police conducted a thorough investigation, including a trip to Vietnam to gather DNA samples and interview family members. The entire examination of the site took six months, and the meticulous process brought closure to the families, revealing the heartbreaking conditions that led to their deaths. The investigation and inquest brought to light the human cost of illicit activities and the vulnerabilities of those who seek opportunities in foreign countries. The case underscores the dangers faced by individuals exploited in illegal operations and the tragic consequences of such exploitation
Oldham Mill Fire Cannabis Farm Vietnamese Men Inquest Exploitation
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