A fatal collision on the Đà Nẵng – Quảng Ngãi expressway that left four passengers dead and seven injured has been linked to driver fatigue, non compliance with seatbelt rules and drug use by one of the drivers, according to Vietnam’s Traffic Police Department.
Authorities say the crash, which occurred early on December 9, highlights persistent road safety challenges on Vietnam’s expanding expressway network.
Passenger Van Driver Drove Nonstop for Five Hours
Police have identified Phạm Văn Kiều as the driver of the 16 seat passenger van involved in the collision. Kiều had reportedly been driving continuously for five hours, exceeding Vietnam’s legal driving time limit for commercial operators.
Before the accident, he had driven a long route starting in Lâm Đồng Province, passing through Khánh Hòa and continuing north toward Đà Nẵng.
At 4:12 AM, his vehicle collided with a tractor trailer traveling ahead of it on the same expressway.
Investigators found that neither the driver nor the passengers were wearing seatbelts — a factor that significantly worsened the impact.
Officials say the force of the collision hurled two passengers from the rear seats forward, causing fatal head and neck trauma. Another passenger also suffered multiple critical injuries and later died in hospital.
“The case shows that wearing seatbelts is as essential in cars as helmets are on motorbikes,” a Traffic Police Department spokesperson said.
Truck Driver Tested Positive for Drugs
The second vehicle involved, a truck and semitrailer driven by Bùi Mạnh Thắng, also contributed to concerns. Thắng tested positive for narcotics, police confirmed, though further investigation is needed to determine his role in the crash and whether impairment was a direct factor.
Both vehicles were severely damaged.
Investigation Underway Into Causes and Liability
Police are now examining:
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driver fatigue
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compliance with rest time regulations
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potential speeding
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lighting and visibility conditions at the time of the crash
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the confirmed drug use by the truck driver
The Đà Nẵng – Quảng Ngãi expressway, part of Vietnam’s national north–south transport corridor, has seen rising traffic volumes as logistics and tourism expand, increasing scrutiny on safety standards.
Authorities say they will release additional findings once the investigation progresses.
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Source: Vietnam Insider