Hanoi tests emergency response in helicopter-equipped firefighting drill

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi tested its emergency response capacity in a large-scale firefighting and rescue drill on December 27, deploying helicopters, robots and more than 100 vehicles alongside over 4,000 firefighters and people acting as victims.

The exercise simulated a major fire and explosion at the Technopark Tower and an apartment building in the Vinhomes Ocean Park 1 urban area in Gia Lam Commune.

The fire spread quickly and toxic smoke billowed out, causing panic and resulting in around 50 people being injured in a stampede. Some were trapped under collapsing structures and ten others were in an elevator without much oxygen.

The drill took nearly two hours and ended with everyone being rescued. Lieutenant General Le Van Tuyen, Deputy Minister of Public Security, said such drills are vital in the context that many high-rise buildings have caught fire in Hanoi in recent years.

Tuyen said the drill had many new contents with high requirements in solving difficult situations on land and in the air, drawing the participation of many forces, vehicles and modern equipment, while participating forces closely coordinated, effectively operated and successfully handled situations to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment.

Duong Duc Tuan, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, said that the drill helped raise participants’ awareness, knowledge, sense of vigilance and responsibility for fire prevention, firefighting, search and rescue operations; strengthen the standby and response capabilities of firefighters and on-spot firefighting forces.

"Lessons drawn from the drill will help adjust response plans in line with reality and specific conditions to minimize the risks of fire, explosion and accidents that can occur any time," said the official.