Arrested the construction manager of the case of 3 workers dying in a hydroelectric tunnel in Lai Chau

On the evening of July 16, the Investigation Police Agency (IPA) of Lai Chau Provincial Police informed that the unit has just issued a decision to prosecute and arrest Le Van Duan (38 years old, from Thanh Hoa province) to investigate the crime of violating labor safety regulations that occurred at the construction site of the Nam Cuoi 1 hydropower tunnel, Nam Hang commune, Nam Nhun district.

Mr. Duan was appointed by the Director of T&D 86 Company Limited as Commander of the construction of the Nam Cuoi 1 hydropower tunnel from February 2023. On July 11, an incident occurred that trapped three workers and left them dead in the tunnel.

During the construction process, Le Van Duan committed many violations in implementing regulations on ensuring labor safety in underground construction works, causing 3 workers of the Company, VTS (wheel loader operator), TAT and PLU (all electricians and water workers) to suffocate from toxic gas, acute respiratory failure/circulatory collapse leading to death. Currently, the Investigation Police Agency of Lai Chau Provincial Police is expanding the investigation of the case, clarifying the criminal acts of the accused Duan as well as the violations of related individuals and organizations for handling according to regulations.