Around 11 a.m., several drivers entering the Saigon river tunnel from the former Thu Duc city towards downtown Ho Chi Minh city were surprised to see a cow weighing about 100 kg running inside. The vehicles slowed down to avoid collision. The cow ran to the middle of the tunnel where tunnel management personnel stopped and captured it.

A representative of the Saigon River Tunnel Management Center said that earlier, tunnel management personnel saw a herd of about 10 cows unattended near the tunnel entrance. The staff tried to herd the cows away to prevent them from spilling onto the road. One of the cows ran into the tunnel. Personnel pursued, captured, and returned it to its owner.

According to the center's representative, there are many vacant lots near the tunnel entrance in the former Thu Duc city, where people often bring their cows to graze. However, they don't supervise them carefully, allowing them to wander onto the road, posing a potential hazard. "We have recorded the incident for local authorities to penalize the owner of the herd and prevent similar situations," the representative said, adding that animals are prohibited from entering the tunnel.

Saigon river tunnel personnel capture the cow to ensure safety. Photo: Minh Bang

The Saigon river tunnel (also known as the Thu Thiem tunnel) is the only immersed tunnel in Vietnam. It is also the most important component of the East-West highway project (now Vo Van Kiet - Mai Chi Tho). The structure is nearly 1.5 km long, 33 m wide, and 9 m high with six lanes.

Decree 123/2021 stipulates a warning or a fine from 300,000 to 500,000 VND for letting livestock roam freely in the city or public places.

Ho Dinh - Gia Minh