>> Sixteen dead in Vietnam rockslide
>> Landslide in Nghe An kills 6 quarry workers
The Nghe An police on April 4 launched a criminal investigation into the rockslide in Len Co quarry, which killed 18 people.
The accident happened when hundreds of tonnes of rock fell onto 24 of workers at Len Co quarry, Yen Thanh District, on April 1. "Continuous rains over the past few days might have been the reason for the rockslide," said Ho Duc Phoc, chairman of Nghe An Province People\'s Committee.
The first 16 casualties were found on April 1, two of whom died after being treated at a local hospital.
Troops were helping the rescue efforts, as they drilled dozens of holes into the mines. The local authorities mobilised hundreds of policemen, soldiers, health workers and vehicles to the site to help to search the two remaining victims, while the four who were injured have been hospitalised and are still undergoing treatment. With great attempt, they found the 17th victim on April 2 morning and the last on April 3 morning.
Accident or negligence?
According to local authorities, over the past year, Len Co quarry has seen many signs of danger. However, disregarding these warnings, Chin Men Ltd. Co., continued operations as usual.
“We are very sympathetic to the families and their victims. We had informed the company of the possible risks many times, but the company continued quarrying. When the accident happened, there was no chance for escape,” said one local.
The provincial authorities have offered VND5 million (USD239) to each family of the dead and VND3 million (USD143.5) to each injured worker.
It is something to help the families, but no substitute for a family member.
Similar accidents include a rock slide at Ban Ve Hydropower Plant, killing 18, in December 2007. Another happened at Len Nay quarry, January, 2008, resulding in 3 deaths and 7 injuries.
Photos of the scene and rescue:
Drilling into the rock
Everyone keeps a close watch on the search
Quarry worker’s tools found after the accident
The 17th body found
The 18th victim found
