VietNamNet Bridge – Every five days, a person falls into the river in Quang Nam province in central Vietnam while crossing the Ba Ren pontoon bridge.

The floating bridge was built in 2001, from funding from the local government and contribution of local residents. Every day, the bridge serves hundreds of people of Phuoc My 3 hamlet in Nam Phuoc town, Duy Xuen district.

At present, the 200m long, 2m wide bridge, which is made with bamboo and wood, is not in good condition. Without handrails, many people fall into the river.

Ms. Luong Thi Thuy, 53, who lives near the bridge, said on average one person falls into the river every five days.

At least two people, one man and one woman, have drowned in such incidents.

The last accident occurred on January 15 with two secondary students, who were rescued.

Mr. Van Ba Thanh, chair of the town of Nam Phuoc, said the local government had banned locals from using the pontoon bridge during the rainy season.

"We are looking forward to have a new concrete bridge but we cannot afford it now," said Thanh.

VNE