VietNamNet Bridge – The Ministry of Transport has officially confirmed an earlier investigation into sub-standard screws blamed for tragic collapse of the Chu Va 6 Bridge in the northern mountainous province of Lai Chau.

Ministry to prosecute bridge collapse culprits

According to the ministry's announcement released on Tuesday, investigators found the bridge had not been built in line with proper standards.— File Photo

The bolts had been used to anchor the suspension bridge's cables, with production errors in the design and manufacture of the screws believed to have led to the fatal collapse that killed 8 and left 40 other injured late last month.

According to the ministry's announcement released on Tuesday, investigators found the bridge had not been built in line with proper standards. According to the report, the pressed brick and mortared cement layer covering the bridge's pillars had not been part of the original design and failed to meet current construction regulations, they said.

Expert analysis also determined that the funeral procession that took place on the bridge at the time of the collapse had not caused the accident, with the total weight reportedly less than the bridge's designed capacity.

The resonant factor caused by the mass of people, together with wind and temperature conditions on the day was also eliminated from the list of dangerous factors that had affected the bridge.

The transport ministry also proposed the Prime Minister instruct the ministry of public security and the Lai Chau provincial People's Committee to prosecute organisations and individuals at fault.

The list of organisations facing scrutiny includes the Ky Hoa construction company, the Lao Cai industrial design consultancy, the supervising Tam Duong District project management board, and the investor, Tam Duong District People's Committee. The 1.5-tonne suspension bridge was opened to the public in December 2012.

Source: VNS