A violent street fight occurred on Ngô Văn Sở, colloquially known as "Hong Kong street," resulting in severe injuries and subsequent arrests
On the night of February 20, 2025, tensions flared between two groups of individuals on Ngô Văn Sở, situated within the vibrant nightlife of Đà Nẵng, Vietnam. The fight erupted after Phạm Ngọc Long, 25, and Phạm Đình Tôi, 30, reportedly became involved in what they saw as harmless teasing but escalated quickly under the watchful eyes of bystanders.
Witnesses revealed the altercation began when Long and Tôi, after finishing their evening of drinks, encountered the girlfriend of Huỳnh Vĩnh Hiệp, 26. What might have remained juvenile mischief transformed rapidly when the accused, feeling protective, confronted Long and Tôi about their behavior. "The suspects, including Hiệp, had been involved previously with criminal activities," reported VietNamnet, noting Hiệp's history of violence.
With emotions running high, Hiệp and his companion Trần Minh Tiến, 28, pushed back against Long and Tôi, resulting in heated exchanges. Each side began to reach for whatever they could find as makeshift weapons. The conflict escalated dramatically as Hiệp and Tiến pulled out batons from the trunk of their vehicle and began to strike Long and Tôi, inflicting severe bodily harm.
The ferocity of the brawl drew the attention of numerous bystanders, instigated by the scene's chaos, and panic ensued as these groups clashed, using sticks, stones, and even larger wooden objects to defend themselves. Graphic videos began circulating on social media, showcasing the brazen nature of the fight and fueling public concern. “The incident caused panic among the public who witnessed the chaos,” reported Thanhnien.
The aftermath saw both Long and Tôi seriously hurt, requiring immediate medical attention. They were transported to the hospital, where the severity of their injuries required urgent care. The local authorities were quickly alerted to the fracas, and their response was swift. Within hours of the incident, the police had arrested Hiệp and Tiến, both of whom had fled the scene following the skirmish.
During their investigation, law enforcement officials unearthed Hiệp's previous criminal record. He had prior convictions related to bodily harm and had served time for drug offenses. Just recently released from prison just months earlier, it became apparent why local authorities might want to keep a closer watch on him. This layer of complexity only heightened the seriousness with which the law approached this case.
According to police reports, the Ngô Văn Sở area, often vibrant with nightlife, has become notorious for such disturbances, with regularly scheduled patrols by local police aimed at curbing rising violence. Unfortunately, such encounters remind the community of the risks associated with nightlife hotspots. Police stated, “Due to the complexity of the area, law enforcement often has increased patrol and presence to maintain order.”
The fight not only revealed the volatility within the nightlife culture of Đà Nẵng but also sparked discussions about the underlying issues of respect and boundaries, especially related to personal relationships. Local businesses and residents have called for more proactive measures to prevent such unruly incidents from reoccurring.
Following the apprehensions, police continue to coordinate efforts to track down and interrogate any other individuals believed to have been involved. They pursue leads to fully understand the extent of the conflict. Investigators have identified several known associates of both groups and are collaborating with other law enforcement branches across the region.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly situations can escalate, transforming what begins as harmless fun on "Hong Kong street" to severe violence. The community is left with both questions about safety and the realities of policing nightlife, eager for resolutions and restorative actions for those affected by the altercation.