VietNamNet Bridge – Six labourers are dead and four injured after an unexpected explosion at a quarry in Lai Xuan Commune, Thuy Nguyen District in the northern port city of Hai Phong at 10am yesterday, May 21.

Initial investigations showed that atmospheric lightning triggered a mass of mines prepared for a quarry blast to detonate one hour prior to the scheduled time.

Local competent agencies quickly arrived on the scene as part of a search and rescue team to monitor the unexploded mines to prevent further explosion.

The Cuong Thinh Co-operative which hired the victims provided the deceased's families with the financial support of VND100 million (US$4,800) if they were local and VND120 million ($5,700) if they came from a neighbouring province.

The quarry explosive disaster in Thuy Nguyen District has prompted the municipal authorities to start conducting a thorough safety assessment in quarries across the city.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News