BBC Raises Possibility of Human Error in Vietnam Karaoke Tragedy Killing 33 People

17 Men and 15 Women Lost Lives On Site
58 Deaths in Entertainment Venue Fires Since 2014
"Authorities Suspected of Approving Entertainment Establishments Without Safety Facilities"

A firefighter is conducting rescue operations in a karaoke building on fire. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Juri] A fire broke out at a karaoke bar in Vietnam, resulting in the deaths of 33 people including customers. However, since fires at entertainment establishments are frequent in Vietnam, some have raised concerns that such fires might be due to 'human negligence.'

According to foreign media including the BBC on the 8th, the fire occurred two days ago at 9 p.m. at a karaoke bar in Binh Duong Province in the southeast.

There were about 70 people inside the establishment, of whom 17 men and 15 women died at the scene. One woman jumped out of the building when the fire broke out and was taken to the hospital but eventually passed away. Additionally, about 40 people sustained serious injuries.

When the fire broke out, local firefighters were dispatched to conduct rescue and search operations, but the fire spread to soundproof mattresses and wooden interiors, making it difficult to extinguish.

The public security authorities moved 33 bodies to a nearby hospital and have now completed the search operations.

The problem is that fires at entertainment establishments and karaoke bars in Vietnam are very frequent.

Since 2014, at least six fires have occurred at entertainment venues, resulting in about 58 deaths. In 2016, a fire at a karaoke bar and pub in Hanoi caused 13 deaths.

In response, the BBC pointed out the possibility of corruption among authorities who granted permits to entertainment establishments lacking safety facilities, in relation to the repetition of such fires.

Meanwhile, the exact cause of this fire has not been revealed.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.