Young Man Climbs 26m Steel Arch, Causes Traffic Jam at Vung Tau Gateway

A young man in his 20s climbed the steel arch of Cỏ May Bridge in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, southern Vietnam, leading to a prolonged traffic jam on National Highway 51 due to rescue operations. The incident occurred on the evening of September 17. At just after 4 PM, authorities received reports that a man in his 20s was found on the steel arch of Cỏ May Bridge, approximately 26 meters above the ground. Witnesses stated the man was repeatedly moving on the arch, sometimes sitting and sometimes standing. Law enforcement immediately secured the scene, blocking off lanes to facilitate the rescue. The man's family was also brought to the site and attempted to persuade him to descend using a loudspeaker. According to eyewitness accounts, the man moved multiple times on the steel arch, even climbing back up after descending. Police deployed an inflatable cushion outside the bridge and utilized a cherry picker and personnel for the high-altitude rescue. Additionally, several police officers were stationed on canoes in the river, ready to respond in case of a jump. As rain began to fall after 6 PM, traffic heading towards Vung Tau on Cỏ May Bridge slowed considerably, leading to congestion. At its worst, the queue of vehicles stretched for nearly a kilometer. Some drivers opted for alternative routes through Long Dien commune, while others turned back to go around via Long Son commune. By just after 8 PM, police successfully brought the young man down safely using a cherry picker. The cause of the incident is currently under investigation. The Cỏ May Bridge spans 258 meters in length and 38 meters in width, situated on National Highway 51. It crosses the Cỏ May River, connecting the Ba Ria area with Vung Tau city. The bridge features a prominent steel arch weighing nearly 2,000 tons, installed separately from the existing structure, designed to resemble seabird wings, serving as a landmark at the Vung Tau gateway.