According to Lao Dong Newspaper's reporter on September 19, the Engineering Corps launched a pontoon bridge into the Red River, passing through Zone 5, Huong Non Commune, Tam Nong District (Phu Tho) - the place where a temporary pontoon bridge will be installed to replace the collapsed Phong Chau Bridge.
Speaking to reporters on the same afternoon, Mr. Nguyen Manh Hung - Vice Chairman of Tam Nong District People's Committee - said that the military agency launched the pontoon bridge to assess safety and survey technical and professional factors.
"After testing, if the requirements are met, the pontoon bridge will soon be installed to serve the people's travel. Currently, the two riverside wharves are being urgently reinforced," Mr. Hung shared.
Also according to the leader of Tam Nong District People's Committee, following the direction of the Provincial People's Committee (Document No. 3879/UBND-CNXD dated September 18 of Phu Tho Provincial People's Committee), the district has assigned members to participate in the Supervisory Team for the demolition and salvage of the collapsed Phong Chau bridge structure and vehicles still stuck in the river, and cleaning up the scene (military and police agencies chair the Supervisory Team).
"Currently, demolition and salvage work is being carried out. We will propose installing additional lighting systems in the riverbank area so that agencies and units can more conveniently demolish, salvage and clean up the scene at night," Mr. Hung informed.
Exactly 10 days since the Phong Chau bridge collapse, the water level of the Red River section through the area has receded, but the loss of Phong Chau bridge has made it difficult for people to travel (from Tam Nong to cross the river, they mainly have to go around Ngoc Thap bridge in Phu Tho town, a distance of about 15km), so people hope that the pontoon bridge will soon be completed and installed.
Regarding the search for missing victims, as reported by Lao Dong, Phu Tho Provincial Police have searched for and recovered two victims, a couple residing in Thach Dong Commune, Thanh Thuy District (Phu Tho Province), who were traveling on the same motorbike and went missing in the Phong Chau Bridge collapse on September 9.
Currently, the authorities are mobilizing maximum forces and means to search for missing victims with the highest sense of urgency and determination, to soon ease some of the pain for the families of the victims of the bridge collapse.
