9-9-2024 (HANOI) In a tragic incident that unfolded on Monday morning, a bridge collapse in Vietnam’s northern province of Phu Tho has left at least 13 people missing and multiple vehicles submerged in the Red River. The Phong Chau Bridge, a crucial link along National Highway 32C connecting Lam Thao and Tam Nong districts, partially gave way at approximately 10 a.m. local time, plunging numerous vehicles into the fast-flowing waters below.
Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc, who promptly arrived at the scene to oversee rescue operations, reported that initial investigations suggest around 10 cars and two motorbikes had fallen into the river. However, he cautioned that these figures may be subject to change as the situation develops.
In a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos, four individuals have been successfully rescued as of 1 p.m. One of the survivors, 50-year-old Phan Truong Son from Huong Noi Commune, recounted his harrowing experience to local media. “It felt like falling to the bottom of the river,” Son explained, describing how he heard a loud noise before he and his motorcycle were suddenly plunged into the water. The survivor, who is currently receiving treatment for soft tissue injuries at Tam Nong Medical Center, expressed his relief at having managed to grab onto a banana tree before being rescued by a nearby boat.
Yagi – probably one of the worst tropical typhoons that hit Northern Vietnam over the last 30 years. Here is the latest terrible incident of the Phong Chau bridge collapse in Phu Tho Province, about 100km from Hanoi. ???? #phutho #tamnong #yagi #bridgecollapse #postyagi #bad2024 pic.twitter.com/2JC6n3LXr5
— vietnam_motorbike_tours_off_road (@offroadvietnam) September 9, 2024
Lieutenant General Pham Duc Duyen, Political Commissar of Military Region 2, informed reporters that military personnel have deployed multiple boats along the riverbanks in search of victims. However, he noted that the strong and swift current is posing significant challenges to the rescue efforts. “The number of deaths and missing persons is currently unaccounted for, as the camera footage does not clearly show how many people were in each vehicle,” Duyen added.
Local authorities are working tirelessly to ascertain the full extent of the disaster. Ngo Duc Sau, vice chairman of the Lam Thao District People’s Committee, revealed that the collapse occurred during severe weather conditions and high water levels in the river. He also mentioned that the bridge had been in use for an extended period and had shown signs of deterioration.
