Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has instructed relevant units to urgently deal with the consequences of a mine collapse in northern Quang Ninh province on July 29 that killed five workers.

The accident happened at around 10.10 pm at the Hon Gai Coal Company.

The cause of the accident was initially identified as a sudden collapse of coal and rocks in the mine. At the time of the incident, there were heavy rains in Ha Long city, causing inundations and erosion in certain areas.

Right after learning about the accident, the PM sent his deepest sympathies to the bereaved families and directed provincial leaders to come to the scene and instruct the fixing of its consequences.

The PM ordered local police and authorities to urgently investigate and clarify the cause of the incident, and identify the responsibility of related organizations and individuals, and strictly handle any violations of regulations (if any).

He also asked for enhanced inspection and supervision, thus promptly detecting and addressing violations related to labor safety in coal mining activities to prevent similar incidents.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang was assigned to come to the scene to direct efforts to fix the consequences.