At least 14 people lost their lives and three others were injured in a devastating fire that broke out in a densely populated residential area of Hanoi in Vietnam early Friday morning, police reported.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Public Security, firefighters managed to rescue seven individuals from the blaze, which erupted in a five-story building situated in a narrow alley of the Vietnamese capital.
The ministry is currently investigating the cause of the fire, and the identities of the victims have not yet been confirmed.
This tragic incident recalls a similar disaster from September last year, when a fire in a residential building in Hanoi resulted in the deaths of at least 56 people, including children, and injured 37 others.
These recurrent tragedies highlight significant concerns regarding fire safety in Vietnam’s urban residential areas.
Vietnam has been grappling with numerous fire-related incidents, particularly in its urban centers where population density and building codes often pose significant risks.
The country has seen a series of deadly fires over the past years, prompting authorities to call for stricter safety regulations and improved fire prevention measures.
In recent years, the rapid urbanization and construction boom in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have led to the proliferation of high-rise buildings and residential complexes.
Unfortunately, many of these structures often lack adequate fire safety features such as proper fire exits, alarm systems, and sprinkler systems.
The Vietnamese government has been actively working to address these issues.
After the September fire, which was one of the deadliest in the country’s recent history, officials vowed to enhance fire safety standards and increase public awareness about emergency preparedness.
The Ministry of Public Security continues to urge residents to adhere to safety guidelines and ensure their living spaces are equipped with necessary fire prevention measures.
