Bridge collapse

At least 64 people were killed when the under-construction Can Tho Bridge over the Hau River in Vietnam collapsed on 25 September. A further 180 people remained in hospital receiving treatment for their injuries as iC went to press. Most of the victims were construction workers.

It is believed that the collapse of a 90 m section of one of the approach ramps occurred when props securing the concrete formwork gave way. The road section fell 30 m to the ground, causing an estimated US$ 2.5 million of damage to property.

Construction of the bridge began in late 2004, and was scheduled for completion next year. The VND 4832 billion (US$ 343 million) scheme was being financed by a loan from the Japanese Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). Construction was being carried out by a consortium of three Japanese contractors, Taisei, Kajima and Nippon Steel, under the supervision of consultant Nippon Koei-Chodai.

At 2.75 km long including approach ramps, the bridge was destined to be the longest in Vietnam.