Container truck hits more than 20 motorbikes stopped at red light, causing dozens of casualties
On the afternoon of January 2, a container truck crashed into a series of motorbikes at an intersection near Ben Luc Bridge (Long An), causing dozens of casualties.
At around 3:30 p.m., Pham Thanh Hieu (32 years old, from Long An) was driving a tractor trailer carrying a 40-foot container on National Highway 1A, heading from the West to Ho Chi Minh City. When he reached Binh Nhut intersection, near Ben Luc bridge, Long An province, the vehicle suddenly hit a series of motorbikes stopped at a red light in front.
The container continued to roll over and drag many other motorbikes under it, dragging it about 150 meters before stopping.
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Motorbikes lying around. Photo:Hoang Nam. |
At the scene, nearly 20 people were lying around, including 3 who died on the spot. 21 motorbikes were severely deformed. Many motorbikes were broken in half, lying on top of each other, with oil spilled. Some motorbikes were stuck under the container truck.
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Container truck caused accident. Photo:Hoang Nam. |
Talk toVnExpressAt the scene at 4:50 p.m., Mr. Phung Van On, Head of Traffic Safety Department, Long An Department of Transport, said that 17 people were being treated at the provincial hospital and Cho Ray (HCMC). "The initial cause was that the container truck ran a red light and dragged the motorbikes," said Mr. On.
Meanwhile, Long An Provincial General Hospital said that of the five victims brought to the emergency room, one person died.
Colonel Nguyen Van Duc - Deputy Director of Long An Provincial Police said that after causing the accident, the container truck driver left the scene.
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Seriously injured victims are being treated at Cho Ray Hospital (HCMC). Photo:Duc Huy |
The accident caused a serious traffic jam on Highway 1 for several kilometers. Authorities had to direct people going to Ho Chi Minh City to the opposite lane. Many cars also returned to Tan An City to get on the Trung Luong Expressway.
At 5:30 p.m., the scene was cleared after the vehicles and victims were taken away.
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Location of the accident. |
