Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Monday required the mobilization of all possible forces and equipment to rescue a 10-year-old boy who fell into a 35-meter-deep hollow concrete pile in southern Dong Thap Province.

The boy, named Thai Ly Hao Nam, residing in Phu Loi Commune, Thanh Binh District, fell into the concrete pillar, which is planted some 35 meters into the ground and has a diameter of 25 centimeters, at around 11:55 am on Saturday.

Thus, he has been trapped in the concrete pile for over 44 hours.

The government chief ordered the completion of the rescue operation in the shortest possible time and the prevention of incidents during the execution of projects.

In particular, PM Chinh asked the chairman of the Dong Thap People’s Committee to direct relevant agencies to coordinate with the National Committee for Incident and Natural Disaster Response and Search and Rescue and related ministries and bodies to complete the rescue effectively at the earliest possible time.

They were also tasked with visiting and encouraging the family of the victim.

The ministers of national defense, public security, transport, and construction were told to quickly mobilize experts and experienced forces to support Dong Thap Province.

The prime minister also assigned the National Committee for Incident and Natural Disaster Response and Search and Rescue to keep a close watch on the rescue, promptly regulate equipment and forces to support it, and report issues beyond its authority to the prime minister.

Moreover, the Ministry of Construction must cooperate with the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids, and Social Affairs, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Transport, and the People’s Committee of Dong Thap Province to inspect the Roc Sen Bridge project and impose heavy sanctions on violators (if any).

PM Chinh also asked the Ministries of Construction and Transport and chairpersons of the People’s Committees of localities across the country to enhance inspections and supervision of projects to prevent similar incidents.

On Monday afternoon, the military force was detached to the scene of the incident to support the rescue of the boy.

At noon on the same day, Dong Thap authorities were trying to make soil around the concrete pillar softer to save the boy.

Earlier, the rescue of the boy was suspended to wait for other vehicles and equipment to be sent to the scene, Huynh Van No, chairman of the People’s Committee of Thanh Binh District, said on Monday morning.

It was drizzling on Monday morning, hindering the rescue.

“We paused the rescue task to wait for other vehicles and equipment to continue saving the boy. It means that the rescue plan has changed," No said.

“We will still use large machinery but ensure that the concrete pile will not fall. With this solution, we expect to quickly save the boy and ensure his safety."

On Monday morning, chairman and vice-chairman of the Dong Thap People’s Committee Pham Thien Nghia and Doan Tan Buu, respectively, also arrived at the scene.

Rescue forces are quickly taking measures to save the boy.

On Sunday afternoon, pile drilling machines were transported from Thap Muoi District to the site.

After three spots around the concrete pile were drilled within 20 hours, the pile was expected to be pulled out of the ground on Sunday night but in vain.

On Saturday, the boy and three friends came to the Roc Sen Bridge construction site in Phu Loi Commune to pick up scrap iron and Nam fell into the hollow concrete pile by accident.

Sone witnesses said that the boy cried for help for some ten minutes after falling into the concrete pile.

According to footage from a camera at the construction site, the boy took a false step and dropped into the hollow concrete pillar while walking on the uneven construction site. Nam is the youngest among his four siblings.

The mouth of the hollow concrete pillar was not covered. The pillar, including two 12-meter sections and a 10-meter one, has its bottom closed.

The Dong Thap administration is not sure about Nam’s health condition.

He no longer interacts with rescuers although oxygen is continuously transmitted into the concrete pile.

Like us on Facebook or  follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!