Two more arrested in embankment collapse case after typhoon Yagi

A company director and a former urban management head face charges for alleged violations in the embankment collapse after typhoon Yagi, which caused over 13 billion VND in damages.

Dao Minh Khanh, formerly head of urban management for Lao Cai city before its merger and currently Vice Chairman of Coc San Commune People's Committee, has been temporarily detained by the Lao Cai Provincial Police Investigation Agency. He faces charges of "lack of responsibility causing serious consequences."

In connection with the same case, Nguyen Duc Giang, Director of Uy Long Investment and Construction Joint Stock Company, was also temporarily detained. He is charged with "violating construction regulations causing serious consequences."

Police serve indictment order to suspect Dao Minh Khanh. Photo: Police provided

The arrests stem from an investigation launched after typhoon Yagi in 12/2024. Following the storm, many residents reported unusual deterioration and damage to the stone railings at two major projects in the former Lao Cai city.

These two projects include the Red River embankment railing along An Duong Vuong street and the railing adjustment component of the Red River right bank anti-erosion embankment project.

During the investigation, authorities determined that numerous components were constructed without adhering to technical specifications. The primary structural elements of the railing system were only loosely joined with adhesive materials, failing to provide the designed load-bearing capacity. Furthermore, many stone pillars and barrier panels exhibited signs of corrosion and weathering, indicating substandard construction quality.

Authorities believe these construction violations caused over 13 billion VND in damages to the state.

Suspect Nguyen Duc Giang (floral shirt, second from right). Photo: Police provided

These recent detentions follow earlier arrests in 11/2025 when police initiated legal proceedings against several individuals. They included Pham Khac Phuong, former Deputy Head of the Investment and Construction Project Management Board of the former Lao Cai city; Vu Tuan Anh, an official at the Lao Cai - Coc San Area Investment and Construction Project Management Board; and Cao Kim Cuong, Director of Hung Manh Construction Consulting Joint Stock Company. All three were investigated for "violating construction regulations causing serious consequences."

Additionally, Nguyen Thu Ha, an official at Cam Duong Ward People's Committee, was accused of "lack of responsibility causing serious consequences."

The case remains under further investigation as authorities continue to expand their inquiry.