Bitexco twin towers project.— File Photo

HCM CITY (Biz Hub)— The city's Department of Construction has suspended work on a downtown building complex after tonnes of steel fell off a crane truck at the site, destroying the fence of a nearby museum.

The accident occurred at the site of "The One" project invested in by the Bitexco Group at around 4am on Saturday. Around 40 tonnes of steel suddenly fell off a crane truck, destroying an iron fence bordering the HCM City Museum of Fine Arts in District 1.

According to the Bitexco project management board, the falling steel also snapped cables and electric wires on the street, but fortunately, no casualties were reported.

Tran Trong Tuan, director of the municipal construction department, said their inspectors would work with the Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs to investigate the accident and find out why it had happened. They would announce conclusions reached as soon as possible, he said.

Around 40 tonnes of steel suddenly fell off a crane truck, destroying an iron fence bordering the HCM City Museum of Fine Arts in District 1.— Photo vietnamnet

Tuan also said that representatives from Bitexco and the museum would discuss between themselves the issue of compensation for damages incurred.

His department has asked Bitexco and contractors to work with lighting, power and traffic agencies to clean up the site and ensure clear passage for pedestrians, Tuan said.

It has also ordered the investor to submit an updated construction plan incorporating due safety measures before it is allowed to resume work on the complex.

"The One" is a US$500 million complex that includes a trade centre, office and apartments for lease as well as a five-star hotel, the Ritz Carlton.

Covering an area of 8,600 square metres, the complex includes two towers of 55 and 48 storeys respectively. Work on the complex began in April 2012 and was scheduled for completion next year. — VNS