Vàng Danh Coal Joint Stock Company, where a coal pit collapse killed four workers on Saturday. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has asked ministries and agencies to investigate the cause of a coal pit collapse that left four miners dead.

The tragedy happened at a mining company in Uông Bí City in northern Quảng Ninh Province on Saturday.

The PM made the request in an official dispatch sent on Sunday to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the People's Committee of Quảng Ninh Province, the Commission for the Management of State Capital, and the Vietnam National Coal-Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin).

The accident occurred at around 7.20pm when four miners were working in a mine of Vàng Danh Coal Joint Stock Company, a unit of Việt Nam's State coal miner Vinacomin in Uông Bí City.

An hour after the collapse, the bodies of the victims were recovered. They have been named as Lương Hoài Nam, 30, Trương Văn Đại, 33, Nguyễn Đức Thảo, 35, and Phạm Tiến Dũng, 36.

In the dispatch, PM Chính extended condolences to the families of the deceased workers. He also urged the Quảng Ninh Provincial People's Committee to provide support and assistance to the families of the victims.

He instructed all relevant agencies to collaborate closely with Vinacomin in investigating and clarifying the cause of the accident, determining the responsibilities of related organisations and individuals, and taking strict action against any violations.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade, in coordination with the Commission for the Management of State Capital and Vinacomin, was directed to thoroughly review the regulations and procedures for mining operations in order to promptly address any limitations and ensure absolute safety for workers, especially under current unusual weather conditions.

He also requested the enhancement of inspection on labour safety regulations in coal mining operations to prevent similar incidents.

The Commission for the Management of State Capital directed Vinacomin to closely collaborate with the Quảng Ninh provincial authorities to overcome the aftermaths of the coal pit collapse. They were also urged to provide material and emotional support to the affected families and work with the departments to review the regulations and operational procedures for Vinacomin’s mining operations.

On the same day, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyễn Hồng Diên met with the leadership of Quảng Ninh Province, Vinacomin, and Vàng Danh Coal Joint Stock Company to provide guidance on addressing the consequences of this serious accident.

The relevant ministries and agencies paid a visit to the families’ victims and supported each family with VNĐ120 million (US$4,983).

According to Phạm Văn Minh, director of Vàng Danh Coal Joint Stock Company, preliminary investigations indicated that the accident was a result of prolonged heavy rainfall in the Vàng Danh coal mining area over the past period, with water levels reaching 30-70mm. This led to water infiltration in the area.

Consequently, mud and coal washed down from the upper area, preventing these workers from reaching a safe zone in time. — VNS