At around 10 am on September 9, the Phong Chau Bridge suddenly broke in two, with two spans and vehicles falling into the river.

Local authorities reported that ten cars and two motorbikes fell into the river when it collapsed. 13 people went missing.

Speaking with Dantri/Dtinews at 1.26 pm the same day, an official of the Tam Nong District People's Committee said that rescue forces had saved three people who were brought to a local hospital.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has asked the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of National Defense to mobilise all necessary forces and equipment to conduct search and rescue operations for the victims.

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc has arrived at the site to oversee and direct the rescue work.

Phong Chau Bridge spans the Red River and connects the Tam Nong and Lam Thao districts. The 375-metre-long bridge, constructed with a steel truss structure, was put into use in 1995.