Four Victims Identified After Deadly Mill Fire
Tragedy struck when remains of four victims were discovered at a mill destroyed by fire on 7 May 2022. The victims have now been named as Uoc Van Nguyen, Cuong Van Chu, Duong Van Nguyen, and Nam Thanh Lee.
Ongoing Investigation and Inquests Set
A file has been handed to His Majesty’s Coroner, with inquests scheduled to open in the coming weeks. Police continue the hunt for answers and justice.
Victims’ Last Contacts Revealed
- Uoc Van Nguyen: Kept in regular touch with his wife until the fire day, claiming he was inside the mill at the time.
- Cuong Van Chu: Arrived in the UK June 2019. Maintained contact with wife and children but went silent after 7 May 2022.
- Duong Van Nguyen: Came to the UK about a year ago. Last spoke to family a month before the fire, saying he lived in an abandoned house while job hunting.
- Nam Thanh Lee: Arrived January 2022. Last contact was 4 May 2022. Said he was living in a derelict house in “Dam,” believed to be in Oldham, seeking work.
Cross-Continental Police Efforts
Since remains were found on 23 July 2022, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have been searching the mill site. In autumn, eight GMP officers flew to Vietnam to gather statements and DNA, interviewing 18 people across several regions and liaising with Vietnamese authorities.
The criminal probe remains open. Two suspects arrested earlier remain 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.”
How To Help
Anyone with information should contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 or, in emergencies, 999. International callers can ring +44 161 872 5050. Tips can also be submitted in English or Vietnamese through the Major Incident Public Portal.
Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
