Tighten safety controls over karaoke parlors nationwide: PM

By Viet Tuan September 9, 2022 | 03:37 am PT

Smoke is seen hours after a fire killed 32 people at a karaoke parlor in Binh Duong, September 7, 2022. Photo by VnExpress

All karaoke parlors must have a second emergency exit, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh instructed following a karaoke fire that killed 32 people in the southern province of Binh Duong.

In an announcement on Thursday, the government office, citing Chinh, ordered cities and provinces to tighten control on karaoke parlors and suspend those that fail to follow fire safety protocols.

The office ordered that all karaoke parlors must have a second emergency exit, either through a balcony, the roof or stairs, among other means.

The decision was made in light of the Binh Duong karaoke fire on Tuesday night, which happened with 60 customers and staff members trapped. Several people had to jump off the balcony from the second floor to get to safety, breaking their limbs.