Bridge collapses in Phu Tho, many people and vehicles fall into river

The Phong Chau Bridge has collapsed due to the impact of the typhoon, confirmed Tran Hoai Giang, director of the Phu Tho provincial Department of Transport.

“I am on my way to the scene,” Giang told local media outlets. “Currently, authorities have regulated traffic flows to ensure public safety.”

According to initial information, several motorbikes and cars have fallen into the river, but the exact number of vehicles and the extent of damage to people and property have not yet been confirmed.

A witness said there were vehicles on the bridge, including a truck and several motorbikes, when the bridge collapsed.  

The video footage shows that the truck was unable to stop and fell into the river immediately after the two spans of the bridge collapsed.

At the scene, two spans of the bridge have collapsed and fallen into the Red River, causing traffic disruptions. Local authorities are currently working swiftly to address the incident.

Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Xuan Sang is currently leading a delegation from the Ministry of Transport and the National Traffic Safety Committee to the site of the collapsed bridge.

On hearing about the news, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh asked the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of National Defense, in collaboration with local forces, to mobilize all necessary forces and equipment to urgently carry out search and rescue operations for the victims.

The Phong Chau Bridge was constructed using outdated technology with a steel truss structure and has a length of 375.36 meters. The bridge was inaugurated on July 28, 1995.