On September 27th, authorities in Phu Tho province made an official request to the Ministry of National Defense for specialized divers to assist in the search for victims of the Phong Chau bridge collapse. The bridge collapsed on September 9th, and rescue efforts have faced significant challenges due to the difficult underwater conditions.
Bridge Collapse Leaves Several Missing
The Phong Chau bridge collapsed on September 9th while five vehicles were crossing: a tractor-trailer, a truck, three cars, and four motorcycles (three gasoline-powered and one electric).
Despite the ongoing efforts of the provincial disaster prevention and search and rescue command, four individuals remain missing. Authorities have recovered four bodies. To expedite the search, Phu Tho province requested specialized divers from the Ministry of National Defense to help locate the remaining victims.
Other Accidents Across Vietnam
In addition to the Phong Chau bridge tragedy, numerous accidents across Vietnam have raised concerns about road safety. Here are a few notable incidents:
Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City: On September 27th, a shocking video circulated on social media depicting a red five-seater car intentionally crashing into several vehicles on National Highway 22. Authorities confirmed this was part of an operation to crack down on a cigarette smuggling ring operating between Tay Ninh and Ho Chi Minh City. The driver, carrying approximately 600 packs of smuggled cigarettes, attempted to escape by ramming into vehicles. He eventually abandoned the car and fled, but his passenger was apprehended.
Chu Puh District, Gia Lai: On September 27th, police in Chu Puh district launched an investigation into the discovery of a woman’s partially buried and mutilated body in a cashew garden. The victim was identified as Le Thi V, a 60-year-old resident of Y Le commune. She had been missing for several days, and her son, Nguyen Van Tien (18), was also absent from the area. Authorities issued a search warrant for Tien as part of their investigation.
Tron Thanh Town, Binh Phuoc: On September 27th, a tragic accident occurred in Tron Thanh town where a woman driving a truck ran over her husband, resulting in his death. The incident followed a heated argument between the couple, after which the wife took the family truck and drove off. The husband clung to the door but lost his grip and fell, leading to the fatal accident.
Can Tho City: A series of accidents on National Highway 91 sparked fear among commuters. One incident involved a truck driven by Tong Van Hoang Tuan, a 31-year-old man from Vinh Long province, who tested positive for drugs. Tuan, suspected of stealing the truck, caused multiple accidents during his erratic journey, resulting in two deaths and five injuries. His reckless driving damaged seven cars and six motorcycles. He was apprehended after a dramatic chase involving police and residents, culminating in a standoff where police fired shots to subdue him.
Natural Disasters and Their Aftermath
Beyond road accidents, natural disasters have also impacted Vietnam, leaving behind significant damage and requiring emergency response measures.
Quang Ninh Province: Typhoon No. 3 caused extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure across Quang Ninh province. The People’s Committee of Quang Ninh province declared a state of emergency for several government buildings, including the provincial People’s Council and People’s Committee headquarters, the provincial Communication Center, and 13 healthcare facilities. Additionally, several key roadways, including the Ha Long – Van Don Expressway and several provincial roads, were also impacted and placed under emergency repair orders.
Hanoi: The aftermath of heavy rains led to widespread flooding in Hanoi, with over 10,638 people affected in suburban areas. Districts like Truong My, My Duc, and Phuc Tho suffered significant flooding. Authorities mobilized 67 pumping stations to mitigate the flooding and provide relief to affected residents. Clean-up and restoration efforts are underway.
Ninh Thuan Province: To prevent the spread of African swine fever, authorities in Ninh Thuan province have intensified control measures. Following the confirmation of the disease in Nhan Son commune, a 24/7 checkpoint has been established, and strict protocols for livestock movement and sanitation are in place. Farmers have been advised to avoid restocking pigs during the outbreak, and those violating the regulations will face penalties and lose eligibility for support in case of mandatory culling.
Economic Hardships and Labor Rights
The closure of a foreign-owned furniture company in Binh Phuoc province has left over 300 workers stranded with unpaid wages and insurance.
- Binh Phuoc Province: Signature Home Fishing, a foreign-owned company operating in the Chan Thanh 1 Industrial Park, abruptly suspended operations, leaving its employees with 40 days of unpaid wages and three months of owed insurance contributions. The company’s owner is currently unreachable, leaving the workers in a desperate situation. The trade union is providing legal support to the affected workers to help them reclaim their rightful benefits.
These incidents underscore the importance of road safety, disaster preparedness, and labor rights protection in Vietnam.
