Bridge Collapse Feared in Hai Duong After Boat Collision

National rescue teams are hard at work in Hai Duong province after a 3,000-ton vessel got stuck beneath a bridge on Sunday.

According to VnExpress, the large vessel was heading for repairs when it collided with An Thai Bridge on the province's Highway 388 at around 6pm on Sunday evening.

As evidenced by the accompanying photographs, the barge captain may have slightly underestimated the height of the vessel. The barge became stuck underneath the bridge and also damaged some of its main structural elements, prompting provincial authorities to request national assistance as improper removal of the vessel could cause the bridge to collapse.

Provincial workers initially attempted to cut away a section of the bridge and pump the vessel with water so that it would sink low enough to clear the structure, however water levels on the river rose and the plan proved unsuccessful.

Officials then decided not to remove the vessel as Le Dinh Long, director of Hai Duong’s Transport Department told the press the bridge may collapse if the boat is no longer in place to support it, reports Thanh Nien.

The Ministry of Transport is now supplying Hai Duong with rescue teams to remove the vessel as well as additional bridge security. As of 8am yesterday morning, An Thai Bridge was fully closed to motorists.

[Photos via VnExpress]