Serious passenger car overturning
Krong Pa Health Center, Phu Tuc commune (Gia Lai) said that in connection with the passenger car overturning accident on To Na pass, by May 9, there were 2 more deaths.
Due to severe injuries, Mr. L.K. H. and N.V.H. (residing in Phu Tuc commune) did not survive. The remaining victims suffered multiple injuries, broken ribs, and have been transferred to higher-level hospitals for further treatment.
Previously, Ms. V.T. H. (born 1951, residing in Phu Tuc commune), a passenger on the accident car, also died at the scene.
Thus, up to now, the accident has caused at least 3 deaths.
Previously, at about 5:40 am on the same day, at Km110+500 National Highway 25, passing through Buon Phum, Uar commune, passenger car BKS 77F-000.xx type 16 seats of Hung Phuong bus company driven by driver Tran Van Hau (born 1972, residing in Phu Tuc commune) was traveling in the direction from Phu Tuc commune to Kon Tum.
When going down To Na Pass, the vehicle suddenly lost control and overturned onto the left side of the road.
At the time of the accident, there were 7 people in the car, including 5 passengers, 1 assistant driver and 1 driver. Through initial inspection, functional forces determined that the driver had a D-class driver's license and did not violate the alcohol concentration.
Haunted by "flying coffins
National Highway 25 is a vital traffic route connecting Pleiku (Gia Lai) with the central coastal region. Over the past time, many serious accidents have occurred on this route, making local people haunted by 16-seater Ford Transit cars, often likened to "flying coffins".
Mr. Tran Thuong (resident of Chu Se commune) said: "Ford Transit cars often run very fast to pick up passengers, even compete for passengers along the road. Every time passengers travel on this type of vehicle, they are afraid. However, because it is convenient for short routes, people still choose to use it.
According to local people, the To Na pass and Chu Se pass areas have many sharp curves, winding pass roads, posing a high risk of accidents if drivers speed.
Lieutenant Colonel Luong Thi Thu Quynh - Head of the Traffic Police Department of Gia Lai Provincial Police - said that the investigating agency is examining the scene, appraising the vehicle and taking statements to determine the cause of the accident.
At the time the passenger car overturned, the vehicle did not collide with another vehicle. Functional agencies will conduct technical inspection of the vehicle, clarify the driver's and passenger's statements to determine the cause," Lieutenant Colonel Quynh informed.
In the coming time, the traffic police force will strengthen inspection and handling of passenger cars, especially Ford Transit 16-seater cars. Violations will be strictly handled according to legal regulations.
For many years, local authorities and the Traffic Safety Board have continuously requested strict handling of passenger cars speeding and overtaking recklessly on National Highway 25; forced to sign commitments to comply with car companies and drivers.
However, on routes such as National Highway 25, many drivers still have the mentality of accelerating to be on time to pick up and drop off passengers in urban areas.
