Bridge in northern province swept away by floodwaters

A part of Phong Châu Bridge collapsed this morning. — Photo provided by local resident

PHÚ THỌ — Phong Châu Bridge, spanning the Hồng River and connecting Lâm Thao District with Tam Nông District, was partially swept away by floodwaters amid serious downpours triggered by Typhoon Yagi.

The incident took place around 10am Monday morning, according to the Phú Thọ Provincial People's Committee.

As reported by Vietnam News Agency correspondents on-site, one pier and two spans of the bridge were swept away by the waters.

No casualties or damage to property have been reported so far, but initial reports indicate that there were people and vehicles on the bridge at the time of the incident.

The Phú Thọ Provincial People's Committee is currently mobilising forces to conduct rescue operations, ensure public order, and manage traffic diversions.

Part of Phong Châu Bridge has collapsed Monday morning. — VNA/VNS Photo Tạ Toàn

Deputy Prime Minister Hồ Đức Phớc and leaders of the Ministry of National Defence, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Transport, and the National Committee for Incident Response, Natural Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue immediately arrived at the scene to coordinate with local authorities to direct the inspection and immediate implementation of work to overcome the collapse of Phong Châubridge, focusing on search and rescue efforts.

Phong Châu Bridge, completed and put into use on July 28, 1995, is 375.36m long and located on National Highway 32C, connecting the city of Việt Trì and Lâm Thao District with Tam Nông, Thanh Thủy, Thanh Sơn, and Tân Sơn districts, as well as the provinces of Hòa Bình and Sơn La. — VNS