Safety has been pointed out as a prominent issue at many decades-old bridges in an outlying district of Ho Chi Minh City, following a recent bridge collapse.

Multiple bridges were built before 1975 along Le Van Luong Street, an essential route connectingNha Be District of the southern metropolis with neighboring Dong Nai Province.

These structures span over a series of river canals that separate many sections of the street.

One of the bridges along this route, the Long Kieng Bridge, collapsed on Friday night as a truck weighing nearly five times its allowed loading capacity was crossing it.

The truck was weighing 15 metric tons, while vehicles weighing over 3.5 tons were not allowed to travel on the steel structure.

The truck, along with a motorcycle, was sent to the river following the incident, but no casualties were reported, according to local authorities.

Concern has sparked over the potential hazards that other bridges in the area are facing as many of them have deteriorated.

At the Rach Doi Bridge, which stretches over the Doi Canal, several iron abutments have become rusted.

Meanwhile, a large number of motorbikes and trucks are still traveling past bridge every day.

Boats and barges also run under the bridge on a daily basis.

Things will surely go wrong if a heavy barge collides with one of the loose abutments, a bridge attendant said.

Similar threats are also present at the Rach Tom Bridge, where heavy trucks often travel through.

Strong vibration and clanking sounds can be felt and heard whenever these large vehicles cross the structure.

The Rach Dia Bridge is also weakening due to high traffic volume from a nearby market.

The Rach Dia Bridge in Nha Be District, Ho Chi Minh City is seen from above. Photo: Tuoi Tre

A truck travels on the Rach Dia Bridge in Nha Be District, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Several parts of a bridge have become rusted. Photo: Tuoi Tre

A bolt is missing from the bridge. Photo: Tuoi Tre

A section of the bridge is fortified by steel strings. Photo: Tuoi Tre

An abutment of the Rach Doi Bridge is severely rusted. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Commuters travel on the bridge. Photo: Tuoi Tre

A large barge travels under the bridge. Photo: Tuoi Tre

A truck crosses the Rach Doi Bridge. Photo: Tuoi Tre

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