Businesswoman driving BMW causing accident appears in court

Binh Thanh District People's Court (HCMC) opened a trial for Ms. Nguyen Thi Nga (47 years old) - who caused an accident at Hang Xanh intersection last October, killing 1 person and injuring 5 others, for the crime ofViolation of road traffic regulationsAccording to Clause 2, Article 260 of the 2015 Penal Code, the penalty is 3-10 years in prison.

Previously, during the investigation, Ms. Nga was approved by the Procuracy to change the preventive measure from temporary detention to house arrest. At the end of last month, the People's Court of Binh Thanh District issued a decision to detain her to ensure the trial and execution of the sentence.

Ms. Nga is the owner of a restaurant on Pasteur Street (District 3). At around 11pm on October 21, 2018, she drove her BMW from the restaurant to her home in District 12 after drinking alcohol. At the roundabout at Hang Xanh intersection, Ms. Nga’s car crashed into 5 motorbikes stopped at a red light in front, dragging the woman a long distance. The BMW only stopped when it hit a taxi.

In addition to the human loss, the accident caused severe damage to 5 motorbikes and 2 cars. Ms. Nga's blood alcohol concentration was up to 0.94 mg/l of breath.

Ms. Nga said that she usually has a private driver, but that night he was busy. The businesswoman admitted that she had drunk a lot of beer and wine but was "still very sober". When she reached the Hang Xanh intersection, she saw a red light so she stepped on the brake but the back strap of her high heels got caught. In her panic, she stepped on the gas pedal, causing the car to rush forward and hit a series of cars.

After the accident, Ms. Nga actively compensated and repaired the damage, so the victims and their families asked to drop the complaint.

During the time of processing the case, the People's Court of Binh Thanh District summoned Ms. Nga and the victims to record the request for compensation for damages to ensure the legitimate rights and interests of the victims. In addition to the amount of money Ms. Nga has recovered, the family of the deceased victim requested an additional 2 billion VND in compensation.