The scene of the fatal accident. — VNA/VNS Photo Nguyễn Dũng

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has called for a thorough investigation into the deaths of four people who were in a vehicle caught up in flash floods.

The tourists, from the Republic of Korea, died after their 4x4 jeep was swept away as they were driven across a stream in Lạc Dương District, the Central Highlands province of Lâm Đồng, on Tuesday.

Their Vietnamese driver survived the crash but suffered some injuries.

In his dispatch to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, the Government leader offered condolences to the bereaved families and ordered authorities to identify who was responsible for the tragic accident. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will work with the People’s Committee of Lâm Đồng Province, the Korean Embassy, and others to deal with related issues and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism have been ordered to give timely directions to localities regarding measures to ensure security and safety for tourists. 

Meanwhile, the National Steering Committee on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control is tasked to keep a close watch on weather developments and direct localities to carry out measures in response to natural disasters. 

The tourists who died, two men and two women, had paid for the jeep experience in Cù Lần Village Tourist Area.

Around 4.30pm on Tuesday, the bodies of three people were found around 2km from the location where the flash floods hit.

The other tourist, who had managed to get out of the vehicle, died on the way to hospital.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Lâm Đồng Province’s Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism issued a document recommending the temporary suspension of tourism and service activities at the Cù Lần Village Tourist Area. 

The provincial People's Committee is actively engaged in the recovery efforts, while the police are collaborating with relevant agencies to investigate and clarify the causes of the accident. — VNS