On the morning of July 3, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded at the Thach Nham tràn bridge in Son Ha commune, Quang Ngai province, where a woman was swept away by floodwaters while attempting to cross the bridge on her motorbike. Despite clear warnings and barricades set up by local authorities due to dangerous water levels, Ms. Ly Thi Hoai Chung, 40, lost control of her vehicle mid-bridge and disappeared into the swift currents of the Tra Khuc River.
According to Ms. Vo Thi Xuan Lieu, Chairwoman of the Son Ha Commune People's Committee, and confirmed by multiple sources including the local Party Committee Secretary Mr. Le Van Vin, the incident occurred around 4:20 AM as Ms. Chung was traveling from Son Ha commune toward the old Son Nham area. The bridge had been closed off with warning signs and physical barriers following heavy rains the previous evening, which caused the river to rise significantly, submerging the bridge surface under about 10 centimeters of water.
Despite these precautions, Ms. Chung proceeded to cross the bridge. At the midpoint, the force of the floodwaters overwhelmed her, causing her to lose control and fall into the river. The rapid current then carried her away, leaving rescuers scrambling to mount an immediate search and rescue operation.
Local authorities responded swiftly upon receiving the distress call, mobilizing police, fire prevention, and rescue units equipped with boats and other necessary equipment to scour the downstream areas. The Quang Ngai Provincial Police’s Fire Prevention, Fighting and Rescue Police have been leading the search efforts, working tirelessly despite ongoing heavy rains and rising water levels that have further complicated their mission.
The Son Ha commune has been experiencing intense rainfall since the evening of July 2, which led to the Tra Khuc River swelling and flooding the Thach Nham tràn bridge on provincial road 623B. The authorities had proactively placed warning signs and barriers to prevent people and vehicles from crossing the bridge due to the dangerous conditions. However, many residents, underestimating the risk, ignored these warnings, believing the water to be receding after briefly covering the bridge surface.
Mr. Le Van Vin highlighted the challenges faced by the search teams, noting that the continuous heavy rain and the high river levels have made the search operation extremely difficult. The bridge remains deeply submerged, and the authorities have stationed personnel to guard the site and enforce the prohibition on crossing.
Local officials have urged residents to heed all warnings and avoid traveling through low-lying or flood-prone areas, especially during periods of heavy rain and flooding. They emphasize the grave dangers associated with crossing tràn bridges like Thach Nham when floodwaters are present, as such attempts can lead to fatal accidents.
The incident has raised concerns about public awareness and compliance with safety measures during natural disasters. Despite the evident risks and clear signage, the decision by Ms. Chung and others to cross the flooded bridge underscores a pressing need for stronger community education and enforcement to prevent similar tragedies.
As of the afternoon of July 3, search operations continue with no confirmed sighting of Ms. Chung. Authorities remain hopeful but realistic about the difficulties posed by the swollen river and adverse weather conditions. The community watches anxiously, hoping for a positive outcome while grappling with the harsh realities of the flood season.
This event serves as a sobering reminder of the power of nature and the importance of respecting safety protocols during extreme weather conditions. The Quang Ngai province, like many regions in Vietnam, frequently faces the challenges of monsoon rains and flooding, which demand vigilance and cooperation from all residents to ensure their safety.
In the wake of this tragedy, local leaders have reiterated their commitment to improving disaster response capabilities and enhancing public communication to mitigate risks associated with flooding. The hope is that through combined efforts, future incidents can be avoided, and the community can better withstand the impacts of natural disasters.
