“Contractor Blames Lô River Bridge Collapse on Flooding, Offers to Fund Repairs Twice”

In an interview with Tien Phong newspaper, Mr. Nguyen Chi Loi, Deputy Director of the Department of Construction of Phu Tho Province, stated that the Department is currently working with relevant units to conduct a technical inspection of the bridge. This assessment aims to accurately evaluate the bridge’s condition, determine the causes of damage, and develop a repair plan with a specific timeline.

The Department has engaged Hanoi Construction University Consulting Company Limited for an independent inspection. “Today, the company submitted a comprehensive survey, inspection, and damage assessment plan for the Song Lo Bridge. Their team is on-site, and equipment has been mobilized. The survey is expected to be completed by November 16,” Mr. Loi reported.

Regarding the contractor of the Song Lo Bridge, UDIDECO (Urban and Industrial Zone Development Investment Joint Stock Company), on November 3, the company submitted a proposal to the People’s Committee of Phu Tho Province and relevant authorities. They volunteered to repair all damages to the bridge using their own funds.

“The Song Lo Bridge was handed over and put into operation on November 11, 2015. After years of operation, it has endured consecutive storms, particularly Typhoon Yagi in September 2024 and subsequent storms in 2025. The high river levels and strong currents have caused riverbed erosion and damage to the bridge,” stated the document signed by General Director Phan Thi Duc.

The document further emphasized that, recognizing the bridge’s deterioration and its impact on safety and the community, UDIDECO, with a high sense of responsibility, has volunteered to repair all damages despite the warranty period having expired. The repairs will be based on a technical plan approved by the authorities and the Provincial People’s Committee.

On November 6, UDIDECO submitted a second proposal, committing to lifelong maintenance of the Song Lo Bridge. The company pledged to collaborate with the People’s Committee of Phu Tho Province throughout the bridge’s operation and maintenance.

UDIDECO requested immediate mobilization of machinery, equipment, manpower, and materials to the site this week to commence ground preparation alongside relevant agencies. This will expedite the approval of the design and repair plan for the bridge’s damages.

Notably, after the Song Lo Bridge incident was reported by the media, the website of UDIDECO (“https://udideco.com.vn”) became inaccessible on both computers and mobile devices. Previously, Tien Phong newspaper had researched the company, noting that the Song Lo Bridge was one of its notable projects.

On November 6, the Phu Tho Provincial Police Investigation Agency initiated a criminal case for “Violation of construction regulations causing serious consequences” under Article 298, Clause 3 of the Penal Code, related to the Song Lo Bridge in Doan Hung Commune, Phu Tho Province.