One killed in landslide at Da Lat pass construction site

A 6-meter high cliff, near a construction site for the expansion of the Prenn Pass in Da Lat of the Central Highlands Lam Dong Province, fell on Pham Minh Duc, 30, and Nguyen Hong Phi, 55, on Saturday.

Several people at the scene tried to dig them from the rubble. They were found after around 20 minutes and were taken to the Lam Dong general hospital. However, Duc died on the way.

The Prenn Pass is known for its numerous turns that can pose traffic safety risks. Several tourist destinations, such as the Datanla Waterfall and Tuyen Lam Lake, can be found along the way.

The pass often sees much traffic during the weekends and holidays, causing frequent congestion.

The Prenn Pass – Da Lat expansion project began construction in February. The width of the pass is expected to be doubled to 14 m, allowing four car lanes.

The investment totals VND553 billion ($23.5 million), and construction is expected to last 11 months.

Authorities expect to cut down over 6 ha of forest along the pass to make room for the project. Vehicles are no longer able to enter the pass.

An investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.