It was not clear what had triggered the rockfall at Cam Mountain in the southern province of An Giang on May 5 that killed 6 pilgrims and injured 2 others but local residents have blamed construction work on the mountain for causing the disaster.According to local people, the holy mountain has above sea level height of 710 meters and there have been previous rockslides in the area.In recent times, dynamite and large machines have been used to build some roads including a 6.3km road connecting the mountain’s foot and Van Linh pagoda near the top.The main cause of the rockslide remains unknown, said Nguyen Thanh Tam, director of An Giang’s Department of Transports.However, he admitted that using dynamite on the rocks may be one of major causes of the deadly rockslide.“We would temporarily cancel trips up and down the mountain. We’ll be in collaboration with concerned agencies to investigate into the accident in order to implement appropriate measures for visitors’ safety,” Tam claimed.Another local official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that wind and rain could pry large rocks loose on the towering cliffs.As about 8am of that day, a van carrying 8 pilgrims, who came to the holy mountain to worship and pray for lucky and prosperity, was unexpectedly destroyed by huge boulders and rocks that fell from the towering cliffs when it was travelling under the mountain.“We heard a loud bang and deafening noises at the time of the accident. Fortunately, other vehicles running behind the van stopped in time before entering the dangerous area,” some eyewitnesses recalled.The victims were trapped in the rubble and had blood streaming down their bodies, a resident said.Five people were reported to die on the spot, one died on the way to hospital, and two suffered from serious injuries. Police cordoned off the scene.The perished are Truong Hoai Tam, 29 (the driver); Vo Hoai Phuong, 40; Nguyen Van Nhe, 32; Tran Van Leo, 32; Nguyen Van Nga, 50; and Nguyen Van Linh, 32.
- RSOE Edis
No comments:
Post a Comment