On the afternoon of December 31, the Department of Industry and Trade had an initial report to the People's Committee of Kon Tum province about the labor accident at Dak Mi 1 hydropower plant in Dak Glei district, which killed 3 people and left 2 people missing.
As reported by Lao Dong Newspaper, at around 3am that same day, 5 workers were constructing the spillway section pouring concrete. Unfortunately, all 5 people were injured and fell into a deep water hole, buried in sand and soil.
Speaking to a reporter from Lao Dong Newspaper, Mr. Le Nhu Nhat - Director of the Department of Industry and Trade of Kon Tum province said that as of the evening of December 31, the authorities had only recovered 3 bodies and were still searching for the remaining 2 victims.
At the scene, authorities had to clear the way to bring in a pump to drain the water hole, in order to search for the two missing workers buried under rocks and soil.
“Dozens of concrete blocks collapsed while the victims were working. The scaffolding system and piles were completely buried, so the investigation and examination will be difficult,” said Mr. Le Nhu Nhat.
The victims were identified as Ha Van Son (30 years old), Kha Van Khay (26 years old), Ngan Van Long (32 years old) and Luong Van Hung (20 years old), all from Nghe An. The remaining victim was A Tuat (24 years old), residing in Dak Lay village, Dak Choong commune, Dak Glei district.
In the face of this serious accident, the Department of Industry and Trade requested the Provincial People's Committee to direct the Provincial Police and Dak Glei District Police to continue investigating and clarifying the cause of the incident to have a basis for handling it according to regulations.
The functional sector continues to mobilize forces to search for the missing person. The Department of Industry and Trade requested the Provincial People's Committee to direct the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs to establish an interdisciplinary inspection team to determine the cause of the work accident and take measures to ensure the rights of the workers.
Regarding this incident, Quang Duc Kon Tum Joint Stock Company (investor of Dak Mi 1 Hydropower Project) is actively coordinating with authorities to clarify the cause of the accident.
The company has taken measures to provide material and spiritual support to the families of the victims. In addition, the company also sent company staff to coordinate with the families of the deceased workers to arrange a proper funeral.
