On the morning of August 15, 2025, what began as a routine workday on the banks of the Ba River in Tuy Hòa ward, Đắk Lắk province, quickly turned into a frantic search-and-rescue operation. According to Tuổi Trẻ, a young construction worker from Thanh Hóa province, identified as either L.B.H. or N.B.H. (with minor discrepancies in initials reported by different agencies), went missing after being swept away by powerful river currents while swimming to shore from the construction site of the Đà Rằng bridge.
The incident unfolded at the new Đà Rằng bridge, a vital crossing over the Ba River and an important artery along National Highway 1A. The bridge, managed by Road Management Area III under the Vietnam Road Administration, has been undergoing much-needed repairs after more than two decades of service. Originally built in 2003 and opened to traffic in 2004, the Đà Rằng bridge has seen wear and tear over the years, prompting the current wave of maintenance and reinforcement work, as reported by Sài Gòn Giải Phóng.
On that fateful morning, the worker—32 years old and an employee of CE Vietnam Joint Stock Company—was assigned to repair tasks at pillar number 3 (referred to as T3 in official documents) of the bridge. The job, while challenging, was not unusual for the team accustomed to working in the sometimes unforgiving environment of river-based construction. After completing the day’s assigned tasks, the worker, along with his colleagues, prepared to return to shore. The distance from the pillar to the riverbank was not considered great, and, as has likely been done countless times before, he decided to swim across rather than wait for a boat or other transport.
But what seemed like a straightforward swim quickly turned perilous. As he entered the water and made his way toward the shore, the Ba River’s currents—often underestimated, especially during certain seasons—proved stronger than anticipated. After covering about 50 meters, he began to struggle, and, within moments, he was swept under and disappeared from sight. The incident occurred at approximately 8:45 AM, according to Tuổi Trẻ, though Sài Gòn Giải Phóng places the time closer to 9:00 AM. Regardless of the slight timing discrepancy, the sequence of events was clear: a worker was missing, and a rescue operation was immediately set into motion.
Witnesses and fellow workers quickly raised the alarm. The news traveled fast up the chain of command, and within minutes, a full-scale search was underway. The Tuy Hòa ward authorities, together with local rescue forces and specialized units, mobilized at the scene. The Đắk Lắk provincial Firefighting and Rescue Police, known for their rapid response in such emergencies, coordinated closely with Border Guard Team 2 and other local agencies. Their mission: to scour the river for any sign of the missing man and bring him safely back to shore.
“Rescue forces are coordinating with local authorities to search for the missing worker,” a leader from the Road Management Area III confirmed to Sài Gòn Giải Phóng on the afternoon of August 15. The operation was not a simple one. River conditions were challenging, with swift currents and murky water hampering visibility. Specialized divers, boats, and search equipment were deployed, yet as of the afternoon, there was still no sign of the missing worker.
For the tight-knit community of construction workers and their families, the incident was a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in their profession. While the Đà Rằng bridge stands as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance, the work required to maintain and repair such infrastructure is fraught with risk. Many of these workers, like the missing man from Thanh Hóa, travel far from home in search of employment, often enduring difficult conditions for the sake of their families.
“After finishing the repair work, Mr. H. swam to the shore but was swept away by strong water currents and went missing,” Sài Gòn Giải Phóng reported, echoing the somber mood that settled over the site as the hours ticked by with no news.
The Đà Rằng bridge itself is more than just a physical structure; it is a lifeline for the region. Spanning the Ba River, it connects communities, supports commerce, and enables daily life to flow smoothly along National Highway 1A. The bridge’s significance has only grown over the years, and its ongoing repairs are seen as essential to the safety and prosperity of the area. Yet, as this incident shows, the human cost of such work can be heartbreakingly high.
While search operations continued throughout the day, authorities also launched an internal review to better understand what happened and whether safety protocols could be improved. According to Tuổi Trẻ, the worker had completed his assigned tasks and chose to swim to shore because the distance did not seem far. However, the Ba River’s unpredictable currents—especially during the rainy season—can pose serious hazards even for strong swimmers. Some locals, familiar with the river’s temperament, expressed concern that such crossings, though common, are always risky and should be carefully managed.
The incident has prompted broader questions about workplace safety in Vietnam’s construction industry, particularly for those working in and around water. While regulations exist, enforcement and day-to-day practices can vary widely between sites. The hope among workers and their advocates is that this tragedy will serve as a wake-up call for stricter adherence to safety protocols, better training, and perhaps more stringent requirements for transport between work sites and the shore—especially when river conditions are less than ideal.
As the sun set over the Ba River on August 15, rescue teams remained at the scene, their boats and equipment silhouetted against the fading light. The search for the missing worker continued into the evening, with authorities vowing not to give up hope. “Currently, the rescue forces are still searching for Mr. H.,” Sài Gòn Giải Phóng reported, capturing the determination of those involved in the effort.
For the family of the missing man, hundreds of kilometers away in Thanh Hóa, the wait for news was agonizing. For his colleagues, the day’s events were a sobering reminder of the risks they face daily. And for the wider community, the incident served as a poignant illustration of the sacrifices made by those who keep the country’s infrastructure running, often at great personal peril.
As of the latest reports, the search for the missing worker continues, with rescue teams and local authorities working tirelessly along the banks of the Ba River. The outcome remains uncertain, but the determination of those involved is unwavering—a testament to the resilience and solidarity that define Vietnam’s working communities in times of crisis.
