Vietnam promises new bridge after plastic bag video goes viral

SAM LANG, Vietnam, March 21 (UPI) -- Vietnamese officials have pledged to build a bridge to a village following the release of an online video showing residents crossing a stream in plastic bags.

Transport Minister Dinh La Thang announced Tuesday the Transport Ministry will construct a suspension bridge over the Nam Po stream in the village of Sam Lang, located in the northern highlands, after a viral video published by the Tuoi Tre newspaper depicted students and teachers in plastic bags being pulled across the stream by strong swimmers amid floodwaters, Thanh Nien reported Friday.

Tong Thi Minh, 23, a teacher who recorded the video, said students and teachers regularly use the plastic bag method to cross the stream.

"Local people told us it's the only way to cross the stream because no bridge could weather highlands flooding," she said.

However, Vice Minister of Transport Nguyen Hong Truong said provincial transport officials will be visiting the region to advise locals on safer ways to cross while officials fast-track plans for a suspension bridge.

"We believe that the bridge construction for the area will be carried out soon ... I think it can be done in four or five months," Truong said.

Truong said the ministry is also looking into the possibility of building a further 186 suspension bridges in 28 provinces by the end of 2015.