Three people were killed in a blast at a cassava starch factory, according to Phạm Tấn Lợi, head of the Tân Châu District Division of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs, during a press briefing on Friday.

One person sustained mild injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.

The explosion occurred around midnight on Thursday due to an electrical short circuit in the facility’s packaging room.

The technical malfunction resulted in the explosion of the starch pipeline, causing heavy equipment to strike four workers in the room at the time.

They were rushed to the emergency department at Chợ Rẫy Hospital, a major central medical facility in HCM City, but unfortunately succumbed to their injuries on Friday afternoon.

Autopsies were conducted, and the bodies have been handed over to their respective families for funeral arrangements. Local authorities have also visited the families to offer condolences.

The police are conducting a follow-up investigation at the accident scene. VNS