Around 12:30 p.m., the boat, owned by Nguyen Van Lac, exploded while workers were unloading goods and preparing for a trip. The incident caused severe damage to the vessel, with wood fragments and other items scattered up to 150 meters away.

Scene of the accident. *Photo: Phuong Vu*

The boat owner and four other individuals, including one captain and three workers, sustained injuries. Two of them were seriously hurt. All victims were rushed to the emergency room.

Nearby homes, boats, and motorcycles were also affected by the blast.

Nguyen Thanh Luan, Chairman of Binh An Commune People's Committee, stated that according to an initial police report, the boat owner was pumping fuel into the engine when it overflowed. After waiting for the fuel to evaporate, starting the engine triggered the explosion. Damages are estimated at 1.5 billion VND.

A victim being rescued by residents after the incident. *Photo: Phuong Vu*

Residents reported that Mr. Lac had recently purchased the boat and lacked operational experience. Local authorities mobilized forces to assist in clearing the scene. Police are continuing to investigate the cause.

Ngoc Tai