The incident occurred around 2 PM when the sand dredging boat capsized in the river section near Cao Dai hamlet, Vinh Thanh commune. The cause of the accident, whether due to a collision, adverse weather conditions, or overloading and imbalance, has not yet been determined.

In response, the Phu Tho Provincial Police deployed significant resources. The Fire Prevention, Fighting and Rescue Police Department and the Traffic Police Department dispatched a command vehicle, a rescue vehicle, 16 officers, and numerous watercraft to the scene to conduct search and rescue operations.

The body of the first victim was recovered. *Photo: Phu Tho Provincial Police*

By 2:39 PM, search teams successfully located and recovered the body of one victim. Efforts continued to find the other missing individual. Search operations faced considerable difficulties due to the strong currents in the Red River section passing through Cao Dai hamlet, coupled with the large size and heavy weight of the sand dredging boat.

Gia Chinh