Mr. Nguyen Van Long - Chairman of Huu Kiem Commune People's Committee said that after many efforts to overcome the flood, the rescue team was able to approach the sleeper bus stuck in the dangerous area. The car is currently being moved to a higher location to ensure safety.
Previously, on the evening of July 22, a passenger bus belonging to Trung Kien bus company (Vinh - Muong Xen route), carrying about 20 passengers, was stuck between two deeply flooded spots on National Highway 7A, through Huu Kiem commune. Due to the impact of prolonged heavy rain, the flood water on the Nam Mo River rose rapidly, making it impossible for vehicles to move.
Driver Nguyen Van Kien recounted that the crashed car was about 13 km from Muong Xen town. Within an hour, the floodwaters suddenly rose by 2-3 m, 5-6 m above normal water levels. He immediately drove the car to the highest point on the road and tried to call for help. However, due to the congestion of phone signals, communication was almost impossible.
At around 5pm, the 7 passengers decided to take a risk and leave the car, walk along the cliff to escape. The remaining 18 people, including children, chose to stay because they were worried about the risks of traveling at night in the middle of the mountains and forests.
For many hours, passengers took turns searching for a location with a phone signal to call for help. It was not until midnight that the group was able to contact the local authorities.
Early in the morning of July 23, the Huu Kiem commune government urgently organized forces, mobilized motorboats to cross the flood and follow the Nam Mo river to approach the scene. Thanks to the quick response and active support from the locality, all passengers were taken care of, provided with timely food and evacuated to safety.
