The collapsed Tà Lài suspension bridge. — Photo doanhnghiepvn.vn |
ĐỒNG NAI — Four passersby, who fell into the river following the collapse of a suspension bridge on Đồng Nai River in the southern province of Đồng Nai yesterday afternoon, were rescued.
A person was injured and was sent to a medical establishment for treatment while three others’ health was slightly affected.
A Tân Phú District People’s Committee official said last night local authorities had not received any information about who was still missing.
Tà Lài Bridge, 164m in length, and 4m in width, is the only way for 1,300 ethnic minority residents in Tà Lài Commune to travel to Tân Phú District’s centre and neighbouring communes.
Local authorities’ initial investigation reported that the reason for the collapse was a cable of the bridge’s cable system slipping.
At the site, witness said they saw some cables had slipped from abutment.
Relevant offices and local authorities are jointly investigating the accident.
Soon after the mishap, Tân Phú District authorities arranged a ferry near the area to transport locals.
The bridge was built in 2001 at a cost of VNĐ3.5 billion from Đồng Nai Province’s budget. It officially opened to traffic in 2005, serving walkers and motorbike and bicycle riders.
A Tân Phú District official said the local People’s Committee had upgraded the bridge twice since it opened to traffic.
However, according to director Trịnh Tuấn Liêm, director of the provincial Transport Department, the department sent documents to local authorities advising them to conduct regular inspection on this weak bridge to avoid an accident. — VNS