A horrific accident occurred on the afternoon of January 2, 2019, in Ben Luc, Long An, when a container truck crashed into 21 motorcycles stopped at a red light, resulting in at least 4 deaths and 18 injuries. This incident once again raises alarm bells about traffic safety, especially the danger of red-light truck collisions.
Runaway Container Truck Causes Carnage at Intersection
According to initial reports, the container truck with license plate 62C-04348 was traveling on National Highway 1 towards Ho Chi Minh City – Tien Giang. Upon reaching the Binh Nhut intersection in Ben Luc district, Long An province, the truck suddenly lost its brakes and crashed into a line of motorcycles stopped at a red light.
Specifically, the container truck plowed through 3 groups of motorcycles at the intersection and continued for about 200 meters before stopping at the foot of Ben Luc bridge. The scene of the accident was devastating, with motorcycles, belongings, and debris scattered everywhere. Many victims were lying injured, some severely.
Scene of the horrific accident in Ben Luc – Photo: SON LAM
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
The red-light truck collision resulted in 3 fatalities at the scene and 1 death at Long An Provincial General Hospital. Another 18 people were injured, with 8 severe cases transferred to Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City for emergency treatment.
Immediately after the accident, authorities arrived at the scene to manage traffic, investigate the cause, and assist with rescue efforts. Victims were taken to nearby hospitals for emergency care. Mr. Pham Van Canh, Vice Chairman of Long An Provincial People’s Committee, visited the patients at Ben Luc Hospital.
Victims receiving emergency care at Cho Ray Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City – Photo: MY THUONG
Preliminary Cause and Eyewitness Accounts
According to eyewitness testimonies, the container truck showed signs of speeding and honking continuously from about 5km before the accident. The truck driver, Pham Thanh Hieu (born 1987, resident of Thanh Duc, Ben Luc, Long An), fled the scene after causing the accident.
One witness stated that while stopped at a red light at the Binh Nhut intersection, they were suddenly hit from behind by the container truck, which then continued to ram into others stopped at the red light on the right. The driver reportedly tried to swerve into the median but still continued to plow through more motorcycles.
The accident scene near Ben Luc bridge in Long An – Photo: SON LAM
Condolences and Directives for Aftermath Management
Permanent Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Traffic Safety Committee Truong Hoa Binh, along with Minister of Transport Nguyen Van The, sent deep condolences to the families of the deceased victims and encouragement to the injured. The Deputy Prime Minister also requested relevant authorities to urgently investigate the cause of the accident, strictly handle violations, and address the aftermath. This tragic accident once again highlights the danger of red-light truck collisions and the need for stronger measures to ensure traffic safety.
