Brian Jeffrey
Following a devastating event in the Nam Cuoi 1 hydropower tunnel, three workers tragically lost their lives to gas asphyxiation. The workers who were identified as Vu To S. (41 years old), Thao A T. (38), and Phung Lao U. (31) entered the tunnel around midnight on July 11 to transport materials but were overwhelmed by gas approximately 1.2 km from the entrance.
Upon receiving the alarming report, Colonel Nguyen Viet Giang, the Director of the Lai Chau Provincial Police, swiftly initiated an investigation and directed relevant units to the scene. They collaborated with the Nam Nhun District People’s Committee to initiate rescue and relief efforts.
By 8:30 AM, authorities reached the tunnel entrance and commenced evaluating the situation. Equipped with specialized protective gear, a reconnaissance team ventured into the tunnel to search for the victims. At 10:32 AM, the team discovered the victims 1.1 km from the entrance, including two individuals inside the excavator’s cabin.
In light of the situation, the reconnaissance team was instructed to retreat from the tunnel and await further directives from provincial leaders.
Upon being informed of the tragic incident, Colonel Le Anh Hung, Deputy Director of the Lai Chau Provincial Police, deployed a task force comprising 16 officers and firefighters. This team collaborated with relevant agencies, utilized specialized protective gear, and conducted a thorough forensic examination of the scene.
By 12:45 PM, the scene examination was finalized, and the bodies of the three deceased workers were recovered from the tunnel. The bodies were handed over to the authorities for a comprehensive investigation. Subsequently, the victims’ remains were returned to their families on the same day.
Notably, the Nam Cuoi 1 hydropower project situated on the Nam Cuoi stream and spanning Nam Hang, Hua Bum, and Nam Pi communes in Nam Nhun District is owned by Nam Cuoi 1 Hydropower Joint Stock Company. The project boasts an installed capacity of 19 MW, as reported by the Lai Chau Provincial Portal.
