Large explosion at a hydroelectric plant in Laos kills 6 Vietnamese nationals.

(Baonghean.vn) – Among the 6 Vietnamese who died, 5 were from Nghe An province and 1 was from Phu Tho province.

According to our sources, an explosion occurred on the evening of July 28th at a hydroelectric power plant project in Bolikhamsai province (Laos). Initial reports indicate that the explosion killed six workers instantly and seriously injured two others. Of the six fatalities, five were from Nghe An province, including three from Thanh Chuong district, one from Tuong Duong district, and one from Ky Son district. The remaining deceased victim was from Phu Tho province.

Both injured people are also from Nghe An province.

Mr. Pham Doan Thao, Chairman of the People's Committee of Thanh Tung commune (Thanh Chuong district), confirmed the information that a citizen of the commune died in an explosion at a hydroelectric construction site in Laos and said that the family of Mr. Ha Cao Ky (born in 1993, residing in Truong Long hamlet) is in extremely difficult circumstances. Mr. Ky had been working in Laos for more than a year when the accident occurred.

Meanwhile, Mr. Le Ngoc Chau, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Thanh Thinh commune (Thanh Chuong district), also informed that the commune authorities had just received information that Mr. Nguyen Van Phuong (born in 1991, residing in Hamlet 8, Thanh Thinh commune) had passed away in Laos. "Mr. Phuong had been working at a hydropower company in Laos for many years. After receiving the information, Mr. Phuong's family is going to Laos to complete the procedures to bring his body back home," Mr. Chau said.

The authorities of Thanh Khe commune, Thanh Chuong district, also stated that the deceased victim, Tran Van Sang (born in 1988), was married and his wife was about to give birth to their second child.

Mr. Nguyen Van Long, originally from Thanh Tung commune, Thanh Chuong district, who is currently working at the hydroelectric power plant construction site that exploded, said that there were 8 main workers on duty yesterday. While they were working, the oxygen tank exploded.

"Among the six fatalities, four were workers from Song Da 9 Joint Stock Company, Unit 908, and two were seasonal workers. Song Da 5 Company was the main contractor for this project. The construction site is located in a mountainous area, far from the city center, so the workers are temporarily buying plywood to make coffins for the deceased to bring back to Vietnam. Around tonight, July 29th, the bodies of the workers will be brought back to the country," Mr. Long said.

N. Hung - N. Khoa