Urgent Fire Safety Warnings Issued After Deadly Bus Blaze in Dong Nai

Following a tragic bus fire in Dong Nai that claimed seven lives and injured five, Ho Chi Minh City police have issued urgent fire safety recommendations. The blaze occurred early on July 21 along National Highway 1 in Dong Nai province.

The recommendations, issued by the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department (PC07), aim to enhance safety for buses and prevent similar incidents. They target vehicle owners, drivers, and passengers.

Vehicle owners are advised to regularly inspect electrical systems, fuel lines, and engine compartments, and to avoid installing unauthorized electrical equipment. Buses with 10 or more seats must carry appropriate fire extinguishers. Drivers and staff must be trained in fire safety and rescue, and clear signage for fire safety instructions and escape routes should be displayed.

Drivers are urged to monitor dashboard warning lights, check for leaks, and inspect tire pressure. They must immediately stop and inspect the vehicle if it shows signs of malfunction, such as difficulty starting, fuel or burning smells, strange noises, or overheating. Transporting flammable or explosive materials is prohibited, and gasoline must be drained from motorcycles before being stored in luggage compartments.

Passengers are cautioned against carrying large quantities of lighters, matches, or flammable materials. Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is strictly forbidden on buses, especially in sleeper bus restrooms. Luggage should not obstruct aisles or emergency exits. Passengers are encouraged to identify the location of fire extinguishers, emergency hammers, and nearest exits upon boarding.

In case of fire, smoke, or a burning smell, drivers must activate hazard lights, pull over to a safe, clear area away from homes and gas stations, engage the parking brake, turn off the engine, and cut the main power supply. All doors should be opened, and if the main doors are jammed, emergency door releases should be used. If doors remain stuck, drivers and staff should use emergency hammers to break the side windows, which are the weakest points of tempered glass, to facilitate passenger escape.