24 killed in Phu Tho fireworks factory blast
(VOV) - An explosion at a military-run fireworks factory in the northern midland province of Phu Tho on October 12 killed at least 24 people and injured 97 others.
All the victims were admitted to Thanh Ba district’s hospital and Phu Tho province’s general hospital.
Vietnam News Agency quoted an official of Phu Tho’s Viet Tri city, saying relevant provincial agencies evacuated all households in Khai Xuan commune, Thanh Ba district, near the fireworks factory, shortly after the explosion.
The explosion severely damaged the fireworks workshop and a number of local residents' houses nearby.
The blast occurred at 08.00am on October 12 at Factory Z121 under the Ministry of Defence located in Khai Xuan commune.
The factory is the only Vietnamese enterprise that manufactures fireworks for national anniversaries.
The Ministry of Health sent three experienced doctors from Hanoi's Vietnam-Germany Hospital to Phu Tho to support rescue work.
The Ministry of Defence provided emergency aid to families that have lost their beloved in the blast.