Hanoi (VNA) – Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh on July 7 signed an official dispatch on behalf of the Prime Minister, ordering urgent action over the deadly fire at the Doc Lap apartment complex in Ho Chi Minh City.
The dispatch was sent to ministers, head of minsitry-level and Government agencies, along with chairpersons of the People's Committees of HCM City, provinces, and cities nationwide.
In the dispatch, Deputy PM Binh extended deep condolences to the affected families. He requested the HCM City People’s Committee promptly provide support for them, coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security to swiftly investigate the cause of the fire, and handle any violations in line with law.
Relevant ministries, sectors, agencies, and localities were instructed to strictly enforce fire prevention regulations, especially under the Law on Fire Prevention, Fighting, and Rescue.
Inspection and safety measures must be enhanced for housing and high-risk establishments while violations must be penalised stringently.
Substantive public awareness improvement and training in fire safety and rescue were also urged to minimise future losses.
On the morning of the same day, Chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee Nguyen Van Duoc visited the scene to offer condolences and direct initial support for the families of the victims.
He demanded local authorities promptly provide emergency assistance, including funeral expenses, temporary housing, psychological counseling, medical care, and other support measures.
The devastating fire broke out on late July 6 at the Doc Lap apartment complex in Phu Tho Hoa ward, HCM City. Eight people, including six adults and two children, were killed while three were saved
Initial reports suggest the fire started on the ground floor and quickly spread, trapping residents inside.
Neighbours tried to extinguish the flames using handheld fire extinguishers but were overwhelmed as the fire intensified. Thick smoke and heat sent residents scrambling to evacuate, while others were unable to escape.
Firefighters from the city Police’s Fire and Rescue Department deployed multiple fire trucks and dozens of officers to the scene.
At the scene, several motorbikes, bicycles, and a car were found completely burned, their frames blackened and deformed./.
