Authorities in Can Tho City, southern Vietnam have confirmed an incident in which several tourists fell into a river while visiting the Cai Rang Floating Market on Sunday morning.

According to an initial report from Khoi My, a local business operator on a floating platform in Cai Rang District’s Le Binh Ward, the incident occurred at approximately 6:20 am.

At that time, a temporary bridge was used for visitors to walk from the dock to the Khoi My floating barge.

Approximately 20 tourists stepped onto the bridge, and a weld joint failed, causing the bridge to tilt and resulting in four people falling into the water.

They were quickly rescued and suffered no injuries.

The bridge, measuring six meters long and two meters wide, had been welded directly onto the barge’s metal frame without floating supports underneath.

Following the incident, the barge owner repaired the bridge, reinforcing it with floating supports for added stability. 

The owner is committed to rebuilding the structure to ensure greater safety for tourists and staff.

In response, the Can Tho Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has announced an inspection team will work with the business owner on Monday to determine the cause of the accident and implement safety measures to prevent future incidents.

The incident quickly gained attention on social media. On Sunday, a viral video clip showed dozens of tourists falling into the river near a floating shop selling local specialties. 

Onlookers on the barge immediately assisted in pulling the tourists back to safety, while a nearby tour boat crew tossed life jackets into the water to aid those struggling.

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