Yên Bái Cement Factory, Yên Bình District. — VNA/VNS Photo Tuấn Anh

YÊN BÁI — Authorities confirmed that a particularly severe labour incident took place Monday afternoon at a cement plant in the northern province of Yên Bái, killing seven people and injuring three others.

The workers at the factory under the management of Yên Bái Cement and Minerals JSC, were carrying out the repairs and maintenance for a stone crushing machine, when an electrical motor malfunctioned, according to initial information.

Immediately upon receiving the information, authorities arrived at the cement plant, promptly transporting the injured for emergency treatment, sealing off the scene, conducting inspections to assist in the investigation.

The seven deceased individuals -- all residents of Yên Bình District -- have been identified: Nông Văn T (Xuân Lai Commune); Nông Văn Th (Xuân Lai Commune); Mai Thiên H (Xuân Lai Commune); Lê Mạnh C (Yên Bình Commune); Nguyễn Danh M, Phan Ngọc L, Phạm Xuân Tr (Thịnh Hưng Commune).

The three injured are Nông Văn T (Tân Nguyên Commune, Yên Bình District), Phạm Minh D (Đại Đồng Commune, Yên Bình District), and one unidentified victim.

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính on Monday evening has sent a cable conveying his deepest condolences to the grieving families and relatives, and ordered Yên Bái Province's leaders to personally come to the incident site to direct relief efforts and support the unfortunate workers' families.

The Government leader also asked for prompt investigation into the cause of the incident and hold responsible individuals and organisations accountable (if any), and soon restore production activities.

Work safety supervision activities must be enhanced and any violations of labour safety regulations in construction material production in the area must be handled in line with the law, to avoid similar incidents.

PM Chính also asked the Ministry of Construction to coordinate with the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, the Yên Bái Provincial People's Committee, and relevant agencies to direct enterprises to thoroughly review regulations, standards, and procedures for mineral extraction and processing in cement production, promptly address existing issues, limitations, and ensure absolute safety for workers. — VNS