On the afternoon of 2/9, a group of young men aged 17 to 20 were celebrating a holiday at the reservoir below the Serepok 3 hydroelectric dam in Ea Wer commune, Buon Don district, Dak Lak province. Around 3 PM, one of the young men fell into the reservoir. Two of his friends jumped in to rescue him, but all three drowned.

Rescue forces searching for the two remaining victims. Photo: Ngoc Oanh

Rescue forces searching for the two remaining victims. Photo: Ngoc Oanh

Dak Lak province's police rescue forces immediately began a search. By 6 PM, they recovered the body of a 17-year-old male about 5 meters from the shore. The search continues for the other two victims.

According to Ea Wer commune leaders, the reservoir, located below the dam's spillway, is tens of meters deep with still water. It's believed the victims did not know how to swim.

The reservoir, a popular spot for sightseeing and photography due to its scenic beauty and clear blue water during the dry season, is often referred to as "Crocodile Lake."

Tran Hoa