Residents reported that around 11h on 18/3, Joint Stock Company 207 conducted a blast at its quarry in the Tien Phong area. Following a loud explosion, thick dust filled the air, and numerous rocks flew considerable distances, landing in residential areas.

Doan Thi Nga, who lives about 500 m from the quarry, recounted hearing a loud explosion and rocks showering her home while she was cooking. Villagers panicked and scattered. Afterward, she discovered a rock nearly the size of a helmet had pierced her corrugated iron roof, landing on the upper bunk bed. The fiber-cement roof of the lower section of her house was broken, with many fragments falling to the floor. "Fortunately, I had not yet taken my afternoon nap, so I avoided danger", she stated.

According to Nga, the quarry has operated for over 15 years, situated adjacent to a residential area with nearly 40 households. In addition to dust and noise, the twice-daily blasting, around 11h and 17h, keeps residents in constant fear of rocks hitting their homes or people. Many houses also show cracks from the tremors.

A rock pierced Nga's roof and landed on her bed. Photo: Dac Thanh

Similarly, Nguyen Kim Ngan reported hearing an explosion and rocks falling into her garden and onto her roof immediately after returning from work. A rock, almost the size of a human head, pierced her corrugated iron roof, creating a hole approximately 20 cm in diameter, then fell onto her bed and broke into three pieces. "If my child had been napping at home as usual, it would have been very dangerous", she shared.

Residents stated that flying rocks have been a recurring issue. Despite their complaints and visits from provincial authorities and inspection teams, the problem persists.

Rocks fell, piercing residents' corrugated iron roofs. Photo: Dac Thanh

Following the blast, several large rocks also landed on the railway tracks, requiring patrol staff to clear them to ensure safe train operations.

Joint Stock Company 207's quarry was licensed in 2011, covering an area of nearly 5 ha with a 30-year term. The site borders the Gianh river, inter-commune roads, the North-South railway line, and residential areas.

Phung Quang Dat, the company's director, attributed the incident to an undetected void within the rock during drilling, which created pressure that propelled rocks a long distance during the blast.

Joint Stock Company 207's quarry blast sent rocks flying into residents' homes. Photo: Dac Thanh

Nguyen Van Khanh, chairman of Nam Ba Don Commune People's Committee, stated that the incident damaged the roofs of five houses, broke tiles, and caused rocks to fall into the gardens of many other households. Several tombs were also damaged, but fortunately, no one was injured. The commune has ordered the company to temporarily cease operations and report to the Provincial People's Committee and relevant departments to clarify the cause and propose solutions.

Dac Thanh