128 die in traffic accidents in Tet

The Department of Medical Examination and Treatment under the Health Ministry said during the three days, the number of patients hospitalized after accidents increased slightly from last year but the number of deaths was more than 10% higher.

The number of medical emergencies caused by firecracker accidents has shot up from 208 to 311, while those caused by food poisoning increased by a fifth.

But the number of emergencies caused by people engaging in brawls has decreased this year.

The number of patients receiving medical treatment across the country increased by nearly 40% from last year, Dr. Luong Ngoc Khue, director of the department said.

The Lunar New Year holidays started on January 20 and continue until January 26.