Prosecution of the case, summoning 3 people related to the case of 3 workers who died while building a hydroelectric tunnel

The investigation agency has stepped in and determined that the accident that killed three workers while constructing a hydroelectric tunnel in Lai Chau had signs of a crime due to failure to ensure occupational safety. Previously, a worker had suffocated but the construction owner still deliberately let the workers into the tunnel.

Hydroelectric tunnel where 3 workers died

According to information from Lai Chau Provincial Police, today, July 13, the Investigation Police Agency of Lai Chau Provincial Police has issued a decision to prosecute the criminal case of "violating regulations on labor safety" that occurred on July 11 at the Nam Cuoi 1 Hydropower Plant (Nam Nhun District, Lai Chau Province).

Colonel Pham Hai Dang, Deputy Director of Lai Chau Provincial Police - Head of the Investigation Police Agency, said that based on the documents and evidence collected during the initial investigation, the case showed signs of violations and criminal prosecution was required to be initiated for investigation according to the law.

Previously, as reported by SGGP Newspaper, at around 3:50 a.m. on July 11, Lai Chau Provincial Police received a report of an incident during the construction of the main dam tunnel of Nam Cuoi 1 Hydropower Plant, invested by Nam Cuoi 1 Joint Stock Company and constructed by T&D 86 Company Limited, located in Nam Hang Commune, Nam Nhun District.

During the search and rescue process, the rescue team discovered 3 dead workers: VTS, 41 years old, TAT, 38 years old, PLU, 31 years old. By 12:45 p.m. the same day, the rescue team had removed the 3 bodies from the tunnel and handed them over to the authorities for further investigation. The results of the on-site examination ruled out the cause of death of the victims due to mine explosions and tunnel collapse. The preliminary diagnosis of the forensic agency showed that all 3 victims died due to acute respiratory failure and circulatory collapse.

Rescue forces participating in the rescue of victims. Photo: CALC

Lai Chau Provincial Police said that other documents determined that the cause was due to the employer and construction site commander not complying with regulations and procedures on occupational safety and health, and not providing adequate occupational safety equipment for workers.

Previously, on July 9, a similar incident occurred at the tunnel construction site, causing worker Thao A C. to faint due to gas poisoning and had to be taken to Phong Tho District General Hospital (Lai Chau) for emergency treatment. However, on the afternoon of July 10, the employer continued to let workers work in the tunnel without taking any safety measures.

Lai Chau provincial authorities deploy plan to approach, rescue and search for 3 workers

Currently, the Investigation Police Agency has requested the investor of this hydropower project to immediately suspend construction of the tunnel project. The authorities have also sealed the tunnel entrance to serve the investigation. At the same time, the investigation agency has recommended that the competent authority issue a decision to temporarily suspend construction of the project where the incident occurred until there is a technical plan and measures to ensure labor safety in accordance with regulations.

Currently, the Investigation Police Agency of Lai Chau Province is summoning and taking statements from Mr. Doan Trong Dat (born in 1986) and Nguyen Xuan Truong (born in 1966), Director and Deputy Director of T&D 86 Company Limited, Le Van Duan (born in 1986), commander of the hydroelectric tunnel construction site, and people related to the incident.

VAN PHUC

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/khoi-to-vu-an-trieu-tap-3-nguoi-lien-quan-vu-3-cong-nhan-thiet-mang-khi-lam-ham-thuy-dien-post749169.html