On November 6, the Phu Tho Provincial Police issued a statement confirming that the provincial Criminal Police Department has launched a criminal investigation into violations of construction regulations causing severe consequences, under Article 298, Clause 3 of the Penal Code.

This follows directives from Major General Nguyen Minh Tuan, Director of the Phu Tho Police Department, who ordered an immediate investigation into reports that Song Lo bridge had suffered severe damage and posed a safety risk.

After collecting evidence and documents, the authorities found sufficient grounds to open a case and determine the responsibilities of individuals and organizations involved. The case is currently under active investigation.

The Song Lo bridge, located in Doan Hung commune, was inaugurated in 2015. It connects the commune center to residential areas along the river and nearby communes of Tuyen Quang province. Recent low water levels have exposed numerous bridge piles, especially at pier T3, where erosion has formed a 2-meter-high cavity under the foundation. Steel reinforcements have been exposed, with the protective concrete layer completely eroded.

The bridge spans 517.8 meters with a load capacity of 30 tons and a width of 7.5 meters. The project includes nine spans, eight piers, and two abutments. Construction began in 2010 and finished in 2015.

According to reports, the Song Lo bridge was part of a larger infrastructure development project, including road surface reinforcement along the left bank of the Lo River. The total investment was approximately 320 billion VND (around 13 million USD), with the bridge alone costing 215 billion VND (about 8.7 million USD). Construction was carried out by the Urban Development and Industrial Zone Investment Corporation (UDIDECO).

The case continues to draw public attention amid concerns over construction quality and long-term safety.

Duc Hoang