A patrol boat scouring various areas along the Red River to search for the victims. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Authorities have recovered the body of a man suspected to be a victim of the recent Phong Châu Bridge collapse in in the northern province of Phú Thọ.

The discovery was made on the morning of September 16 during a search operation along the Red River, approximately nine kilometres downstream from the disaster site.

Family members of those reported missing were brought in to identify the body, which was found near Bản Nguyên Commune, Lâm Thao District, Phú Thọ.

This marks the second body recovered since the bridge collapse, following the discovery of 48-year-old Nguyễn Thị Hường on September 14. She was found in the river near Vĩnh Lại Commune, also in Lâm Thao.

The Phong Châu Bridge, which spans the Red River on National Highway 32C and connects Lâm Thao and Tam Nông Districts, collapsed suddenly at around 10am on September 9.

According to official reports, the collapse caused significant damage, with one truck, two semi-trucks, six motorcycles and an electric scooter falling into the river. Eight people were reported missing.

The bridge, originally inaugurated in 1995, had eight spans, with two constructed from 64-metre girders manufactured in Bulgaria. It played a vital role in connecting communities on either side of the river.

Search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining missing individuals. — VNS