3 killed in landslide on national highway in Vietnam

The incident occurred at around 2:38 pm on the highway section running through Mai Chau Commune, when an estimated 1,000 cubic meters of earth and rocks slid down from an uphill slope, burying part of the roadway.

Three people were trapped under the debris, including two road maintenance workers carrying out road marking duties and a motorcyclist passing through the area.

Rescue operations were immediately launched, with about 60 commune police officers and militia members joining provincial fire prevention and rescue forces at the scene.

Three excavators were deployed to clear the debris and aid the search for victims.

At around 6:30 pm on the same day, rescuers found the bodies of two victims, Bui Van T., 45, one of the maintenance workers, and Pham Duc T., 28, the motorcyclist.

The search continued overnight, and at 3:45 am on Monday, rescue teams found the final body of Bui Van C., 52, the other worker.

Local authorities completed the necessary procedures and handed the bodies over to the victims’ families for funeral arrangements.

After intensive clearance efforts, traffic was restored at around 5:30 am on Monday.

Authorities said the section of National Highway No. 6 running through Phu Tho has complex terrain and a high risk of landslides, posing serious dangers to both people and vehicles, particularly during the rainy season and in adverse weather.

A working team has been dispatched to assess potential hazards and propose mitigation measures, while Road Management Area I has been instructed to closely monitor developments, ensure traffic safety, install warning signs, and prepare traffic diversion plans if necessary.