Specialized units are preparing to use explosives to break up giant boulders - each weighing hundreds of tons - that are blocking the Khanh Le Pass in Khanh Hoa Province. The move aims to restore traffic on the vital Nha Trang–Da Lat route as soon as possible.

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National Highway 27C through Khanh Le Pass in Khanh Hoa Province suffers severe landslide damage. Photo: X.N

At noon on November 18, a representative of the Khanh Hoa Provincial Transportation Management and Construction Joint Stock Company confirmed that a meeting would be held the same day with relevant agencies to finalize plans for using explosives to break apart the rocks.

Earlier that morning, rain continued to fall along National Highway 27C, which runs through the Khanh Le Pass and connects Nha Trang and Da Lat. Severe landslides were reported along various sections of the pass.

Particularly concerning was a 50-meter stretch through Nam Khanh Vinh commune, where six massive boulders, each weighing hundreds of tons, had come to rest across the roadway, completely halting all traffic.

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Authorities mobilize personnel and machinery to deal with the landslide on National Highway 27C. Photo: X.N

Construction crews have deployed heavy machinery and personnel to clear the landslide debris. However, due to the enormous size of the rocks, excavators and cranes have proven ineffective in moving them.

After surveying the situation, technical experts concluded that controlled explosions would be required to dismantle the boulders. The detonation process is expected to take two days.

"Authorities are currently calculating the appropriate amount of explosives and completing the necessary procedures," said a representative of the Khanh Hoa Provincial Transportation Management and Construction Joint Stock Company.

Local authorities in Khanh Hoa are also working in coordination with technical units from the Ministry of National Defense to carry out the blasting operation.

Following days of heavy rainfall, multiple landslides have occurred along Khanh Le Pass. On the evening of November 16, a passenger bus carrying 32 people was buried under soil and rocks along National Highway 27C. The incident resulted in six deaths and multiple injuries.

11 rescued after two days stranded on Khanh Le Pass due to landslide

Authorities in Lam Dong province confirmed tonight (November 18) that 11 people who had been trapped on the landslide-hit Khanh Le Pass have been safely rescued.

The individuals had been stranded in five trucks transporting agricultural goods and three tourist vehicles, stuck at different locations along the mountain pass in Khanh Hoa province.

According to the provincial traffic police division, the incident occurred on the night of November 16, when a massive landslide struck National Highway 27C along Khanh Le Pass, cutting off the critical route between Nha Trang and Da Lat.

Tons of earth and rocks cascaded down onto the road, blocking access in both directions. Vehicles already on the pass were unable to turn back or move forward due to multiple landslide points.

In total, 11 people were caught in the closure zone, unable to access food or supplies for two full days.

Upon receiving distress signals, Lam Dong traffic police deployed excavators, trucks, and personnel to clear a path and conduct the rescue.

By the evening of November 18, all trapped individuals were reached. Their health was reported as stable. Authorities provided food, water, and safe transport back to Da Lat.

Earlier, on the same night the landslide struck, a separate tragedy occurred: a passenger bus carrying 32 people was hit directly by falling rocks. Six passengers were killed and 19 others injured.

As of now, multiple sections of Khanh Le Pass remain blocked by landslides. Specialized teams and machinery are continuing efforts to clear the debris and restore traffic.

Xuan Ngoc