According to local officials, the incident occurred at around 5pm on May 3 in Nhan Hoa Commune, when heavy rain, strong winds and lightning swept through the area.

Dang Dinh Luc, chairman of the commune’s People’s Committee, said the sudden weather conditions not only triggered the factory accident but also affected several nearby villages.

“Approximately 2,000 tonnes of molasses spilled out. The storm also caused damage in some local hamlets. Authorities are continuing to review and assess the full extent of the losses,” he said.

Initial reports suggest that lightning may have struck directly into a molasses storage tank, puncturing it and causing the leak.

Local authorities are now working closely with the company to inspect the site and implement measures to contain the spill, aiming to minimise its impact on the environment and the lives of nearby residents.

Tran Tuyen