HCMC – Phong Chau Bridge in the northern province of Phu Tho collapsed this morning, September 9, due to heavy rainfall and flooding in the aftermath of typhoon Yagi, with a dozen vehicles falling into the Red River.
Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc said that around 10 cars, two motorcycles, and 13 people had fallen into the river and remain missing. This exact figure is still unknown, said local media reports.
The accident occurred at around 10 a.m. on September 9, caused by high water levels and the strong currents of the Red River. At the time, many vehicles were traveling on the bridge.
Phong Chau Bridge, which connects Lam Thao and Tam Nong districts in Phu Tho across the Red River on National Highway 32C, has a steel structure and spans nearly 380 meters. It was inaugurated in July 1995.
In related news, heavy rain induced by Typhoon Yagi also caused a landslide early this morning that inundated four households in Phin Chai 2 village, Lao Cai Province. Seven people are missing. Additionally, a flash flood in Nam Kha 2 Village, Bac Ha District, Lao Cai, led to the collapse of a house, resulting in one fatality.
