Two dead and several went missing after dozens fell into the river due to a riverbank landslide at the Long Hoa Market in Can Tho southern city this early dawn Monday.
The affected area starting from Rach Cam Bridge is around 60 meters long, 10 meters wide, and 5 meters deep.
Five people who have been saved and taken to a hospital nearby are Nguyen Van Tret, 62, Tran Thi Nho, 35, Bui Thanh Vu, 37, Vo Bich Phuong, and another unidentified man.
Phuong, who is being treated at Can Tho Center Hospital, was reported to sustain the most serious injuries.
Nguyen Thanh Thai, an eyewitness, said: “I heard a loud rumble when the landslide happened and saw dozens of people thrashing about into the water struggling to survive.”
He immediately asked many people around for a rescue.
Meanwhile, Tre, a local resident, and his grandson fortunately escaped death after they fell into the river when they were having noodles at an eatery on the riverbank.
Local authorities have retrieved two dead bodies of Vo Thi Tuyet, 78, who sold fruits and Truong Thi Hong Loan, who sold soft noodles at the market.
Two small traders - Hai Tham, and Ghi and around five market goers still remain missing.
After the incident, local authorities have blocked the site, evacuated market stalls and promptly rescued the victims.
Some years ago, many households across Rach Cam Bridge also fell into river due to a landslide, locals said.
Can Tho’s People’s Committee have donated VND10 million (US$500) each to families of the missing, and VND1.5-1.8 million to the injured.
