13 bodies recovered from power plant landslide site

VOV.VN - By late October 15 search and rescue workers have retrieved 13 bodies from a landslide site near Rao Trang 3 Hydropower Plant in Phong Dien district of Thua Thien Hue province.

The last body was pulled out of the debris after 7pm, according to Phan Thien Dinh, vice chairman of the Thua Thien-Hue provincial People’s Committee.

All the bodies were transported to Military Hospital 268 in Hue for identification. 11 out of the 13 victims were military soldiers and officers, including Major General Nguyen Van Man, Deputy Commander of Military Region No. 4.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc sent condolences to families of the victims.

A memorial service will be held at Military Hospital 268, said Thua Thien-Hue authorities.  

The 13 victims were part of a 21-member working group that had travelled to Rao Trang 3 Hydropower Plant on October 12 to assist with the rescue work.

Tragically, a significant landslide consisting of mud and soil was triggered by heavy rain and fell on a terrace house at the Song Bo Forest Rangers Station where the group were staying overnight.

Eight people were able to escape the landslide, while the remaining 13 were buried in the rubble.

The Ministry of Defence has deployed hundreds of soldiers and sniffer dogs, whilst some 10 excavators have been dispatched in a bid to clear mud and soil, making it easier for rescue workers to access the site.

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