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Hanoi Authorities Demand Accountability in Student Drowning Incident
Hanoi City has ordered an investigation into the responsibility of relevant agencies and individuals following the death of a male student who fell into a drainage culvert during heavy rain. The incident highlights infrastructure issues that have persisted despite years of resident complaints.
On September 20, 2026, the Hanoi City People's Committee issued Directive No. 4823/UBND-TTDLCNS on handling and mitigating the aftermath of an incident where a male student fell into a drainage culvert and died in Dong Ngac ward. The directive was issued in response to an article published on September 18 by Tien Phong newspaper, titled "Student Falls to Death in Culvert: Road Constantly Floods When It Rains, Residents' Petitions Unheeded." The article reported that residents stated the road where the student died frequently floods during rain, posing significant dangers, yet no agency has undertaken repairs despite repeated appeals. In response, the Chairman of the Hanoi City People's Committee issued the following instructions: The Departments of Health, Home Affairs, the Chairman of the Dong Ngac Ward People's Committee, and related units are to visit, console, and provide material and spiritual support to the victim's family in accordance with regulations. Matters exceeding their authority are to be reported to the Hanoi City People's Committee for direction. Furthermore, the Chairman of the Hanoi City People's Committee has tasked the Dong Ngac Ward People's Committee, in coordination with relevant units, to urgently investigate and clarify the content reported by Tien Phong newspaper, determine the responsibility of organizations and individuals, and handle them according to the law (if any). They are also ordered to immediately implement measures to rectify existing shortcomings and report the results to the Hanoi City People's Committee by September 20, 2026. This incident highlights social issues in Vietnam, including delays in infrastructure development, difficulties for residents' voices to reach administrative bodies, and deficiencies in safety measures during disasters. Particularly, as Vietnam continues its economic growth, infrastructure development is a pressing need, especially in urban areas, though budget allocation and inter-departmental coordination are often cited as challenges. In a one-party system, the extent to which public opinion is reflected in policy-making is a crucial factor for administrative credibility. This case serves as a warning regarding such structural issues.
Original source
Nhan Dan