Bridge collapses in Vietnam killing more than 60 people
A bridge being built across the Hau River in the southern city of Can Tho collapsed today, Wednesday the 26th of September at approx 8AM. At least 60 workers were killed and 140 or more injured. This is the worst bridge disaster in Vietnam.
4-Lane Bridge
The construction of the 2.75km four-lane bridge bridge started in 2004 and was expected to be completed in 2008. It was going to be the largest suspension bridge in Vietnam. The project was for 85% funded by Japan. The Vietnamese economy is growing at more than 8 percent a year and the bridge was supposed to speed the trip across the river which thousands make daily by boat.
Cause of Accident
Officials were still investigating the cause of the accident. Cement had been poured into the collapsed section yesterday.
Construction of the span, which was not open to traffic, was being overseen by Japanese companies Taisei Corp., Kajima Corp., Nippon Steel Corp. and Nippon Koei-Chodai. There were no reports of Japanese casualties.
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