A temporary suspension of the hydrofoil routes between Ho Chi Minh City and Vung Tau has been issued by Chairman of HCM People's Committee Le Hoang Quan starting January 22.
During the suspension, the Department of Transport has increased public transportation between HCMC and Vung Tau.
The Department of Firefighting is also organizing emergency preparation drills for areas near Saigon River.
The suspension is due to the incident in the Saigon River on January 20 where a hydrofoil carrying 90 passengers to Vung Tau exploded. There are no reported fatalities.
Inspections were made on the boat a few days before the incident, said representative of Vina Express. HCMC Leader Le Hoang Quan has proposed the Ministry of Transport to investigate the inspection agency involved with the case.
The Department has suggested multiple times prior to the incident the hydrofoils were too old and should be banned from operation, said Director of Department of Transportation Tat Thanh Cang. However, currently, no legal documents have been issued on the case.
Deputy Chairman Nguyen Huu Tin granted certificates of merit and VND10 million (US$500) to the two heroes responsible for saving 50 passengers from the accident in District 7. The recipients are Ngo Van Hong, 54, and his son Ngo Huynh Long, 26. |
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