Cake box bomb explodes beneath patient's bed in southern Vietnam

The blast occurred on Feb. 27 in the hospital’s Orthopedics and Trauma Department and is under investigation by police in the Mekong Delta province. Preliminary findings indicate the box contained improvised materials with explosive substances.

According to initial reports, a man whose identity has not been established brought the cake box to Room E609 to visit a 24-year-old male patient from the province. He left the package under the patient’s bed before leaving the facility.

Moments later, when the patient’s mother opened the box, it detonated, causing minor injuries to her hands and legs. The explosion also scorched a bedside cabinet, pillow, blanket and floor mat. Medical staff and relatives used fire extinguishers at the scene to put out the flames.

Hospital officials said the remains of the device included a charred water pipe casing measuring 114mm in diameter, along with electronic components, an alcohol container, copper wire and other materials.

As a precaution, the hospital relocated patients from the affected room to other wards to ensure safety and provide continued monitoring and care.