Deputy chairman of Đồng Tháp Provincial People’s Committee Đoàn Tấn Bửu speaks to the press late Wednesday afternoon. — Photo vietnamnet.vn

ĐỒNG THÁP — 10-year-old Thái Lý Hạo Nam who fell into a 35-metre deep concrete pillar in southern Đồng Tháp Province was pronounced dead late Wednesday afternoon, according to local authorities. 

Deputy chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Đoàn Tấn Bửu told the press that the conclusion was made after assessing the time and location of the accident, which likely caused the victim multiple injuries, in addition to the harsh conditions inside the deep pit. 

Rescue workers are still trying to bring Nam’s body to ground level. 

Prior to the press briefing, the boy’s father was taken to the scene of the accident. 

The local authorities added that with the child confirmed dead, the rescue team’s strategy will change, focusing on bringing his body out of the pillar as soon as possible. 

At noon on December 31, Nam and three other children from the same neighbourhood entered Rọc Sen bridge construction site in Phú Lợi Commune, Thanh Bình District to collect scrap iron. Here, Nam fell into the hollow concrete pillar which is 25cm wide and 35m deep. 

Continuous efforts were made to deliver oxygen and water to sustain his life, as well as different strategies to bring him out of the pit, to no avail. — VNS