Van Hanh Mall installs safety netting after three fatal falls in two months
 

Van Hanh Mall in Ho Chi Minh City has taken urgent safety measures by installing protective netting across its central atrium and increasing the height of its glass railings following a series of fatal incidents involving individuals jumping from upper levels.

The move comes after three tragic falls within less than two months, the most recent occurring on April 26, when a 22-year-old man jumped from the seventh floor to the ground-level atrium. Surveillance footage confirmed the incident, and the victim, originally from Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province, died at the scene.

The high-profile nature of these incidents has deeply affected mall staff, tenants, and customers, prompting Van Hanh Mall to respond with both practical and emotional outreach.

In an official message shared via social media, the mall announced the completion of emergency safety net installation across its two skylight atriums, which were designed to provide natural lighting. These funnel-shaped openings have now been securely covered by steel mesh netting anchored at the base on the first floor and extended to a suspended square frame near the sixth floor, decorated with hanging features to soften its visual impact.

Simultaneously, the mall has increased the height of its safety glass barriers and railings from 1.4 meters to 1.7 meters on the upper floors, specifically where the falls occurred. The management also confirmed intensified security protocols, including more guards, increased camera surveillance, and more frequent patrols at vulnerable areas.

“This is an emergency, temporary solution,” the mall’s management said. “In the coming period, we will continue improving the aesthetic appeal and overall safety to ensure Van Hanh Mall remains both beautiful and secure.”

The mall’s heartfelt open letter, posted on April 26 and now with more than 318,000 interactions, 15,000 shares, and 18,000 comments, received a wave of support from the public, brand partners, and loyal customers. Many expressed sympathy, pledging continued support despite recent events.

“We’ve read all your messages of encouragement,” the mall’s team stated, “and we are grateful for the love and support directed to our 1,000+ employees and hundreds of brands operating at Van Hanh Mall.”

Impact on tenants and customers

Despite enhanced safety measures, the incidents have left a psychological mark. Nguyen Van Tu, a frequent visitor from District 5, said, “It’s troubling to see young people coming here to end their lives. I feel deeply for everyone affected.”

Nguyen Bach Huong, a regular visitor from District 10, added, “This is my go-to mall for weekends and holidays. While I’m saddened by these incidents, I understand the mall has done its best to ensure safety. I’ll continue supporting them.”

Retailers have also felt the impact. “This is the third incident in under two months,” said Quoc Khanh, a cosmetics vendor on the fifth floor. “Business is down. Customers are hesitant. But the new safety net and raised glass give us some reassurance.”

Fashion clerk My Linh, who works on the fourth floor, shared, “I’ve witnessed three jumps. It’s haunting. The nets are necessary, even though they cover the beautiful skylights. I hope it discourages further attempts.”

After the April 26 tragedy, one store shut down operations, and contaminated merchandise had to be destroyed due to health concerns. “It affects our income and morale,” another vendor said.

Global perspective and long-term plans

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The safety glass barriers on floors 6 and 7 have been raised from 1.4 meters to 1.7 meters. Photo: Tuan Kiet.

Van Hanh Mall’s response echoes safety strategies used globally. Protective netting has been deployed in various buildings and public venues worldwide, including malls in Australia and government buildings in India. Most notably, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco installed 6-meter-wide stainless steel nets along both sides of the bridge in early 2024 after decades of suicide-related incidents.

The mall emphasized that while safety is a priority, long-term solutions will also consider aesthetics. Plans are underway to redesign the atrium areas with improved visuals to integrate the safety systems into a more welcoming shopping environment.

Opened in 2018, Van Hanh Mall is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most prominent commercial complexes, located in District 10 with a total area of 90,000 square meters, including 55,000 square meters of retail space. It houses hundreds of fashion, food, and entertainment brands and is a popular destination, especially for the city’s youth.

The mall is backed by investor Tran Le Nguyen, a well-known Vietnamese-Chinese businessman and CEO of KIDO Group. Under his leadership, KIDO has expanded from food into retail and real estate, with Van Hanh Mall being its second major commercial project after Hung Vuong Plaza.

Despite ongoing economic challenges, Van Hanh Mall welcomed nearly 1 million visitors monthly in early 2023- double its pre-pandemic numbers in 2019.

The recent tragedies have sparked concern, but also solidarity.

“We’re still here, with more than 1,000 employees working hard each day. We thank our customers and partners for standing by us,” a mall representative stated.


VietBF@ Sưu tập