Central Highlands tourist area closed after 4 Koreans die in accident

On Tuesday a 29-year-old driver working for it took the four tourists, aged 68-79, in a jeep to explore a shallow stream.

But the water level rose suddenly in the stream, and capsized the vehicle.

The driver escaped luckily but the four tourists died.

The stream is normally 30-40 cm deep.

Local officials said it did not rain heavily at the time, and so the water might have risen due to flows from the upstream area. But it was unusual that the flow was strong enough to sweep away a jeep, they said.

Visitors have to buy tickets for VND100,000 (US$4) to travel by jeep down the stream. The vehicles depart one after another within a few minutes, each with four passengers.

VnExpress contacted Van Tuan Anh, director of the tourist area, but he has not responded.

G B Q Company, which owns the area, is working with authorities to find out the cause of the tragedy.

The tourist area will only reopen when it fully meets safety requirements.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has instructed provincial authorities to quickly investigate the cause of the accident and strictly punish violations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will liaise with the South Korean embassy to organize the victims' funerals.

The 30-hectare Cu Lan Village is set amid a forest at the foot of Lang Biang Mountain, 20 km from Xuan Huong Lake and Cu Hill.

Its beautiful landscapes have become a popular tourist attraction in recent years.