At least 13 missing after bridge collapse in northern Vietnam

HANOI, Vietnam

The first four victims have been rescued while at least 13 others are missing after a bridge collapsed in the northern province of Phu Tho on Monday, causing multiple vehicles to fall into the Red River.

The Phong Chau Bridge, spanning the Red River along National Highway 32C, collapsed at approximately 10 a.m., cutting off the connection between Lam Thao and Tam Nong districts through the bridge. Half of the bridge gave way, sending vehicles into the river below.

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc, who has arrived at the site to instruct rescue work, said that initial investigation found around 10 cars and two motorbikes had plunged into the river, with 13 people missing. Phoc added that the number will be updated.

Phoc said the authorities are considering the option of constructing a pontoon bridge at this location to ensure traffic flow and restrict waterway traffic before discussing the construction of a new bridge.

Four of the victims were rescued by 1 p.m.

One of them, Phan Truong Son, a 50-year-old man of Huong Noi Commune, recounted that he was traveling on the road when he heard a loud noise. Before he could react, both he and his motorcycle plunged into the water. "It felt like falling to the bottom of the river," he said, adding that he used all his strength to swim to the surface but was so exhausted that he could barely breathe, thinking he might not survive.

Fortunately, he managed to grab onto a banana tree and was rescued by people on a nearby boat.

He is receiving treatment at Tam Nong Medical Center in the province with soft tissue injuries. He remains conscious but is still in shock. Two other rescued victims are currently undergoing scans and tests at the center.

Speaking to VnExpress, Lieutenant General Pham Duc Duyen, Political Commissar of Military Region 2, said the military has deployed multiple boats along the riverbanks to search for victims, rescuing four people so far.

It is coordinating with local police to deploy rescue boats. However, the strong and swift current is making recovery efforts challenging.

"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 said.

Authorities have cordoned off the bridge and launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse. Sau added that the bridge had been in use for a long time and has been deteriorating.