On 10/3, Dong Nai Police initiated criminal proceedings for violating regulations on waterway vehicle control. The charges fall under point c, clause 3, Article 272 of the Penal Code.

Authorities are continuing to gather evidence to prosecute other individuals involved in the incident.

The pilot at the police investigation agency. *Photo: Thai Ha*

Initial investigations reveal that around 10:17 a.m. on 6/3, Pham Thanh Binh, 26 years old, from Ninh Binh, piloted the Thanh Dat 86 vessel on the Dong Nai river. The ship was traveling from upstream towards Ho Chi Minh City (TP HCM).

Upon reaching the intersection with the North-South railway line passing through Ghenh Bridge in Bien Hoa ward, the ship directly collided with compartment 5, span 2 of the bridge. This impact caused the bridge to deform, warp, and misalign the railway tracks.

The incident halted North-South railway traffic through the affected area. The railway sector estimates damages exceeding 40 billion VND, potentially rising to 140 billion VND if restoration efforts are prolonged.

To accommodate passengers, Saigon Railway Transport Joint Stock Company is providing shuttle buses between Bien Hoa and Di An stations. It has also temporarily suspended local train services, including the Saigon - Phan Thiet and Saigon - Nha Trang routes.

The scene of the Thanh Dat 86 ship colliding with Ghenh Bridge for the second time on the morning of 6/3. *Photo: Phuoc Tuan*

The railway sector plans to reinforce the damaged beams at span 2 using 8-meter I-steel beams. If repairs proceed as scheduled, trains could resume crossing the bridge at 5 km/h before 10 a.m. on 12/3. Simultaneously, new beams will be manufactured for permanent replacement, with completion anticipated within 60 days.

Phuoc Tuan