On September 29, a conference was held in Phu Tho to deploy the next plans to salvage Phong Chau bridge and search for missing people in the bridge collapse.

The conference was chaired by Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hai, Vice Chairman of Phu Tho Provincial People's Committee, together with Colonel Pham Hai Chau, Deputy Director of the Department of Rescue and Relief, Ministry of National Defense .

At the conference, functional units analyzed the difficulties in overcoming the incident, including the water level being nearly 20m deep and the high flow rate, which affected the search for victims and the bridge salvage.

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Colonel Pham Hai Chau speaks at the conference. Photo: Huy Thang

At the conference, Colonel Pham Hai Chau requested the Special Forces to mobilize 20 people for the search, including 15 elite frogmen, to conduct a general search from the foot of the old Phong Chau bridge within a radius of 10km.

Forces need to clearly identify whirlpools and currents, and mobilize vehicles to identify search targets.

Colonel Chau also emphasized that Phu Tho province needs to coordinate with participating units to develop specific plans and solutions for salvage and search. He noted that the search should be based on the results of diving by divers in the collapsed bridge area and information provided by local people. There should be daily public information on the progress of the implementation.

Colonel Chau affirmed that with the highest sense of responsibility and determination, the rescue force of the Ministry of National Defense will provide maximum support to Phu Tho province to quickly search for missing victims and salvage the collapsed bridge.

This morning (September 29), Brigade 249, Engineering Corps installed a pontoon bridge connecting Lam Thao and Tam Nong districts. After 90 minutes of installation, the pontoon bridge was successfully closed and will serve the people from tomorrow (September 30).

Important notes when moving across Phong Chau pontoon bridge

Important notes when moving across Phong Chau pontoon bridge

Phu Tho Provincial Police issued a notice about vehicles allowed to pass Phong Chau pontoon bridge, travel speed and operating hours during the day.
Engineers install pontoon bridge 20 days after Phong Chau bridge collapse

Engineers install pontoon bridge 20 days after Phong Chau bridge collapse

Officers and soldiers of Brigade 249, Engineering Corps deployed forces and vehicles to install a pontoon bridge across the Red River after the collapse of Phong Chau bridge (Phu Tho province).
Current status of the remaining part of Phong Chau bridge at risk of collapse

Current status of the remaining part of Phong Chau bridge at risk of collapse

After the collapse of Phong Chau bridge (Phu Tho province), authorities determined that the remaining steel span on the Lam Thao district side was also at risk of collapsing.