Latest information on the stone paving incident that killed 3 people in Nghi Loc

As reported by Nghe An Newspaper, at around 10:30 a.m. on October 2, at Phuong Tin stone cladding workshop of Mr. Hoang Xuan Phuong (born in 1992, residing in Hau Hoa hamlet, Nghi Hoa commune), a serious work accident occurred.

At that time, workers were transporting each block of paving stone from the container to the forklift when suddenly the block of stone tilted and fell on the workers.

The accident resulted in the death of Hoang Van T. (born in 1987, residing in Hamlet 4, Nghi Dong Commune, Nghi Loc) and Nguyen Van S. (born in 1994, Hamlet 2, Nghi Dien Commune, Nghi Loc) on the spot. Ho Van K. (born in 1978, residing in Quarter 3, Phu Son Ward, Bim Son Town, Thanh Hoa), the driver, was seriously injured. Although he was taken to Nghe An General Hospital for emergency treatment, he died later.

On the morning of October 3, we were present at Nghi Hoa commune to grasp the situation. According to the records, after the accident occurred, the victims were taken back to their hometowns for burial by their relatives; all activities at Phuong Tin stone cladding business have been temporarily suspended. The tractor-trailer carrying the stone cladding packages is still parked at the scene. In addition, the police force has also completed the scene investigation and is investigating the incident.

Talking to us, Mr. Dang Tho Thieu - Vice Chairman of Nghi Hoa Commune People's Committee said: Mr. Hoang Xuan Phuong - owner of Phuong Tin stone cladding business, lives in Hau Hoa hamlet, Nghi Hoa commune, and the business is located in Thuong Tho hamlet. Previously, this business was very small, located on the side of the road, many times when the traffic safety corridor was cleared, the commune had to request to move the stone inside. About 2 weeks ago, Mr. Phuong rented and borrowed land from 2 households to build an iron factory and import stone for business.

"At the time of the accident, two workers from the stone factory and the tractor driver (license plate 36H-070.58, pulling a trailer with license plate 15R-126.05) climbed onto the container to winch the rocks down, while Mr. Phuong drove the forklift below. While all three were balancing the rock to winch it down to the forklift, the pin unfortunately broke, causing the rock to fall, crushing two people into the container, while the driver was crushed by the crane on his stomach. The heavy rock that fell also caused the container to tilt," Mr. Thieu recounted.

Mr. Thieu also confirmed that this factory did not have any license or paperwork. The new owner had just rented and borrowed land to build this factory when the accident happened.

A leader of Nghi Loc District Police said: Initial inspection showed that the scene of the accident was inside a container. The accident happened while unloading the rocks. There were no signs of sawing or cutting rocks inside the factory. However, it will take time to investigate and verify to determine the legal responsibilities involved.

Ms. Tran Thi Anh Tuyet - Vice Chairman of Nghi Loc District People's Committee said: After receiving the incident, the District People's Committee directed the Department of Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs to coordinate with functional forces to examine the scene. At the same time, directed Nghi Dong and Nghi Dien communes to visit and promptly encourage families with victims.

"This morning (October 3), the district leaders also coordinated with the district Fatherland Front to visit and encourage 2 families with victims in the district, and at the same time supported each family with 5 million VND to bury the victims" - Ms. Tuyet shared.

It can be seen that this accident is very regrettable. This also sounds the alarm bell for labor safety when loading and unloading goods. Because, with the current development trend, the demand for transporting and unloading goods, especially large-volume cargo components, is increasing. Therefore, when loading and unloading, depending on the volume of goods, it is necessary to comply with the specifications and regulations on labor protection and safety. At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen state management, review business establishments, and require them to ensure factors of fire prevention, fire fighting, protection, labor safety and necessary licenses before going into operation. Especially establishments that regularly load and unload large-volume goods, use high-load vehicles, to avoid the situation when loading and unloading goods causing congestion, traffic insecurity and not ensuring labor safety.