In the early morning of July 13, 2024, a terrible landslide occurred at Km 11, National Highway 34, in Yen Dinh commune, Bac Me district, Ha Giang, killing 11 people and injuring 4 people. In a dangerous moment, Mr. Nguyen Duc Tai - Technical Staff of Viettel Construction Station did not hesitate to rush in to save the life of a 7-year-old girl.
One day after the landslide, Mr. Nguyen Duc Tai was still haunted and heartbroken because 11 other people on the bus unfortunately survived. The feeling of hopelessness when hearing the cries for help from dozens of people as thousands of blocks of rocks fell under the rain.
Recalling the terrifying moment, Mr. Tai said that on the night of July 12, he received a phone call from people reporting that the fiber optic cable was sagging in the Yen Dinh commune area, potentially affecting people's roads. At more than 4 a.m. on July 13, he left home on his motorbike to go check. When he arrived at Km10+900, Yen Dinh commune, Bac Me district, he saw a 16-seat passenger bus stuck in a pile of rocks.
Mr. Nguyen Duc Tai - Technical staff of Viettel Construction station recounted the incident with obsession
At the same time, a 7-seat car also stopped, 3 people in the car got out and Mr. Tai helped push the passenger car. While the group was supporting the bus, Mr. Tai saw soil and rocks suddenly falling from above. Mr. Tai shouted in panic, "There's a landslide, let's run quickly".
Hearing Mr. Tai's shouts, everyone quickly ran away. At this time, Mr. Tai saw a little girl about 7 years old standing alone, screaming while rocks were pouring down. He quickly pulled the child and ran quickly out of the landslide area. Mr. Tai said: "The two of us tried to run as fast as we could, behind us were thousands of blocks of rock and soil falling along with the panicked screams of the people.".
After taking the girl to a safe area, Mr. Tai reassured her, borrowed a flashlight, and together with some young men returned to the scene to save people. The sky was still dark, the rain was getting heavier. Nearing the destination, Mr. Tai saw another landslide continue to fall, and the cries for help gradually died down. Everyone on the 16-seat bus and 3 people on the 7-seat bus to assist were buried.
Under the flashlight, Mr. Tai saw a trapped young man, but this person was crushed by rocks and died. A few minutes later, the authorities arrived at the scene, Mr. Tai participated in search and rescue support and found 4 other trapped victims, fortunately they were still alive. The victims were quickly taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries.
Mr. Tai assisted the authorities in rescuing trapped people
The area where a terrible landslide occurred in Ha Giang
"Seeing the victims being crushed by rocks and rocks, they couldn't speak because they were exhausted, seeing the eyes asking for help, the tears falling when we saw people coming made us unable to hold back," Mr. Tai recalled. . The feeling of shock made Mr. Tai forget the pain from the crushed stone hitting the soles of his feet.
When participating in supporting passenger cars and rescuing people, Mr. Tai's motorbike was also buried by rocks and soil. Rescuers later found the car covered in thick mud.
“The car is still there, but it's completely broken down. I was able to get my property back, but unfortunately I couldn't save many people stuck in the mud. Nature is very harsh, this year Ha Giang has many natural disasters" - Mr. Tai added.
The only car he used to get to work, which had been with Mr. Tai for many years, was also a great asset to his family. But beyond all that is the spirit of courage, responsibility and love for people of Viettel soldiers that is deeply ingrained in their flesh and blood.
Praising his courageous spirit of saving people and not being afraid of danger, immediately after receiving the information, the General Director of Viettel Construction directly called to praise, encourage and direct the Corporation's Trade Union to promptly support him.
On July 15, 2024, Viettel Construction Union awarded Mr. Nguyen Duc Tai a new motorbike so he can continue to go to work.
During the car receiving ceremony, Mr. Tai emotionally shared: "Immediately after the incident, I received many words of encouragement and sharing from the Corporation's Board of Directors, Branch leaders, and the General Trade Union. Company and colleagues. I am extremely appreciative and grateful, thank you everyone for worrying about me like a close family member. Thank you to the Corporation's Trade Union for paying attention and taking care of the lives of workers."