A Chinese businessman in southern Dong Nai Province faces charges of negligence following a deadly boiler explosion at a wood processing firm that claimed six lives. Feng Yong, the director of Binh Minh Wood Production and Trading Company, was taken into custody by Dong Nai police for investigation into possible work safety violations. Authorities allege that Feng, as the company’s director, failed to adequately assess and manage the boiler’s operations, neglecting quality checks which ultimately led to the tragic incident.
In connection to the case, seven Chinese experts from the company have been prohibited from leaving Vietnam to assist with the investigation. The Binh Minh company, which employs around 200 individuals, utilized a boiler capable of producing 1,000 kg of vapor per hour. Technical issues with the boiler were identified by the firm, prompting a maintenance request to the boiler manufacturer on April 30.
Despite efforts to address the technical concerns, a fatal explosion occurred on May 1 while the firm’s technical staff were inspecting and operating the boiler. Six individuals lost their lives in the explosion, with five others sustaining injuries. One of the injured, Hoang Van Kinh, recounted how metal shrapnel struck his body when the boiler exploded as workers were inspecting its status.
Authorities have determined that the explosion was a result of technical malfunctions and revealed that the boiler was not properly registered for use. The tragic incident underscores the importance of stringent safety protocols in industrial settings to prevent such devastating accidents from occurring. Dong Nai authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deadly boiler explosion to ensure accountability and prevent future tragedies.