A Lao truck driver transporting 35 tons of bauxite ore mistakenly drove onto a beach in Da Nang after following Google Maps at night, becoming stranded in the sand. Fortunately, local residents came to his rescue, offering food, shelter, and even raising funds to help him continue his journey.
On August 4, local authorities in Thang An Ward (formerly part of Quang Nam Province) confirmed that they are continuing to assist the stranded driver, who crossed into Vietnam through the Nam Giang international border gate en route to Chu Lai Port, where the cargo was to be exported to China.
The incident happened late on August 1. With limited visibility and no knowledge of the area, the driver followed GPS instructions that led him directly onto Binh Minh Beach. His heavily loaded truck quickly sank into the soft sand and became immobilized.
By morning, locals discovered the exhausted and anxious man wandering near their homes, unable to communicate in Vietnamese. Realizing the situation, they welcomed him inside, offering food, clean clothes, and a place to rest.
On August 3, dozens of residents joined forces to help free the truck — using shovels to dig sand, attaching ropes, and working alongside a tow truck. By 9 p.m. the same day, the vehicle was successfully pulled to safety.
The kindness didn’t stop there. Moved by his plight and financial hardship, locals raised nearly 3.7 million VND (approx. $145 USD) through donations. Sadly, the driver lost the money somewhere on the beach. In response, residents and a local charity group launched a second fundraising effort, collecting an additional 4.8 million VND ($190 USD) by the next morning.
As the truck remains out of commission, Thang An authorities are now working directly with the driver to understand his needs and help him complete his journey.
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Source: Vietnam Insider