Six individuals are on trial for their roles in a devastating fire that consumed a karaoke bar in Binh Duong Province, Vietnam, two years ago, resulting in the deaths of thirty-two people. The victims, seventeen men and fifteen women, lost their lives when flames rapidly spread through the wooden interior of the An Phu karaoke bar in September 2022, trapping customers and staff. The blaze forced many to flee via balconies or jump from the building, highlighting severe safety lapses.

The defendants include Le Anh Xuan, the 43-year-old owner of An Phu karaoke bar; Pham Quoc Hung, Pham Thi Hong, and Vu Truong Son, all former officers of the Binh Duong Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department; and Nguyen Thanh Luan, director of Thai Binh Co., Ltd. Additionally, Nguyen Van Vo, a former captain of the Fire Prevention Police Team in Thuan An City, faces charges of negligence causing serious consequences, although his case was dropped following his death.

The Binh Duong Provincial People’s Court is hearing the case, with the verdict expected on Friday. The accused are charged with violating fire safety regulations, carrying potential penalties of up to twelve years in prison. This trial underscores Vietnam’s stringent response to fire safety violations, following the tragic fire and the closure of over two-thirds of the country’s approximately fifteen thousand karaoke bars for failing to comply with regulations.

Deputy Director General Thonglei Senganong of the Department of Irrigation at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry emphasized the importance of restoring damaged irrigation systems to support farmers and communities. The crackdown on unsafe establishments aims to prevent future tragedies and ensure public safety across Vietnam.

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