A man, estimated to be 35 years old and from Ba Ria ward, was spotted standing and sitting on the steel arch of Co May bridge, approximately 26 m above ground, near the middle of the bridge on the old Vung Tau side. This incident, occurring after 16h on the evening of 17/9, led to significant traffic congestion on national route 51.
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The man climbed the Co May bridge arch. Photo: Truong Ha |
The man climbed the Co May bridge arch. Photo: Truong Ha
Authorities quickly responded, securing part of the bridge to initiate rescue efforts. They attempted to persuade the man to descend, even bringing family members to the scene to speak to him via loudspeaker. Witnesses reported the man moved multiple times along the steel arch, occasionally climbing down before ascending again to a higher point. Police deployed air floats below the bridge, along with ladder trucks and aerial work platforms. Police canoes were also on standby in the river below, prepared for any eventuality.
The rescue operation, which began after 16h, continued into the evening. After 18h, rain began to fall, further complicating traffic. Vehicles heading towards Vung Tau via Co May bridge were rerouted, causing slow movement. At one point, a line of oto stretched for nearly one km towards Ba Ria ward. Some drivers opted for alternative routes through Long Dien commune and Long Hai to reach Vung Tau, while others turned back, detouring via Long Son commune.
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Traffic congestion extended from the Co May bridge entrance in Ba Ria ward. Photo: Minh Bang |
Traffic congestion extended from the Co May bridge entrance in Ba Ria ward. Photo: Minh Bang
The standoff concluded safely after 20h when police used a ladder truck to reach the man and bring him down. The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.
Co May bridge, a 258 m long and 38 m wide structure, spans the Co May river on national route 51, connecting Ba Ria with Vung Tau. The bridge underwent renovation, featuring a steel arch system designed to resemble a seagull's wings. This project was completed after more than four years of construction at a cost of nearly 115 billion VND. Its main space frame, exceeding 26 m in height, was installed on new abutments, separate from the existing bridge structure. The renovation utilized nearly 2,000 tons of steel, creating a distinctive landmark at the gateway to Vung Tau.
