A critical bridge reconstruction project in Quang Binh province, Vietnam, came to an unexpected halt this week when a 118kg MK81 bomb was discovered beneath the foundation.
MAG’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, working alongside military personnel, successfully removed the bomb, ensuring the safety of the construction site and surrounding community.
The bridge, located in the remote and mountainous region of Le Thuy district, connects Chuon and Con Cung villages. Originally built in 2018, it provided a vital link for residents, particularly during the challenging rainy season. However, a devastating flash flood in October 2024 destroyed the bridge’s foundation, forcing villagers to take a nearly 25-kilometre detour. In response, authorities launched a reconstruction project in early March 2025 to restore access and support local development.
As excavation work progressed this week, an excavator struck a large bomb buried three metres below the bridge foundation. “I was terrified when the bucket hit the bomb. Fortunately, it did not detonate,” recalled excavator operator Vuong Cong Binh. Construction work immediately halted, and all 20 workers evacuated the site.
Following an urgent request from the Quang Binh Provincial Military Command, a MAG team arrived on-site alongside military personnel. After careful assessment, the bomb was identified as an MK81, with a blast radius exceeding 1km. The team secured the bomb, deemed it safe to move, and safely transported it to a controlled demolition site for later safe disposal.
Nguyen Van Sang, village chief of Chuon, highlighted the area’s long history of war-related contamination. “Many bombs and ordnance have been found here over the years, especially during plantation activities. This area was once a key logistical hub for soldiers and youth volunteers, making it a frequent target of heavy bombing during the war.”
MAG has previously conducted five emergency clearance operations in the village, removing multiple explosive devices, including a 230kg MK82 bomb in 2021. This latest discovery underscores the ongoing danger posed by unexploded ordnance, even 50 years after the war ended in Vietnam. It also highlights the critical role of mine action in ensuring the safety of infrastructure projects and local communities.
MAG has been working in Vietnam since 1999, removing over 390,000 explosive devices and creating safer environments for communities in Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Quang Nam provinces.
MAG’s work in Vietnam is made possible through the generous support of the governments of the United States and Japan.
