According to the reports, visitors exploring the cave noticed small pieces of soil and rock falling sporadically inside. Some larger rocks were also believed to be at risk of falling from above, potentially endangering visitors.

The Pu Luong Nature Reserve Management Board said the reports directly concerned the lives and health of residents and tourists and therefore needed to be promptly investigated, verified and addressed.

Hang Doi cave in Kho Muong is located within a special-use forest managed by Pu Luong Nature Reserve. However, the management board said it has neither organised nor operated tourism activities at the site.

According to the board, visits to the cave are currently organised by the Kho Muong village community, which also collects admission fees. These activities have not been authorised by the competent authorities as required by regulations.

To prevent potential accidents, the board asked the Pu Luong commune People’s Committee to instruct Kho Muong village to temporarily stop taking visitors into the cave and suspend admission fees and related services.

Authorities are expected to jointly inspect the site, assessing its geology and terrain as well as signs of landslides, falling soil and rocks, and other potentially hazardous areas.

Based on the findings, they will propose safety measures that could include cordoning off hazardous areas, restricting access, reinforcing unstable sections, installing warning signs and controlling entry before visits to the cave are allowed to resume.

Pending the inspection, the Pu Luong commune People’s Committee has been asked to step up monitoring and prevent unauthorised tours into Hang Doi cave. It will also inform residents, local businesses and visitors about safety risks in the area.

Le Duong