A chain collision caused by a fertilizer truck on National Highway 20, passing through Dai Lao commune, Bao Loc city, Lam Dong province, injured one person and caused prolonged traffic congestion for hours. The incident occurred on the morning of January 6th, causing public concern and raising many questions about traffic safety on this critical route.
At approximately 10:35 AM on January 6th, on National Highway 20, section passing through Village 4, Dai Lao commune (Bao Loc city), a truck with a Dong Nai province license plate (driver’s identity not yet determined) carrying a full load of fertilizer was traveling towards Da Lat city from Ho Chi Minh city. While descending a slope at the B’Lao Srê intersection area, Dai Lao commune, the truck suddenly lost control and sped forward.
According to initial information from authorities, the fertilizer truck forcefully collided with the rear of a Lam Dong province-plated dump truck carrying rocks (driver’s identity unknown) which was moving in the same direction ahead and preparing to cross the road. The strong impact caused the dump truck carrying rocks to overturn sideways, blocking a large portion of National Highway 20, causing severe traffic obstruction.
Not stopping there, the fertilizer truck continued to lose control, mounted the sidewalk on the side of the road, and rushed forward for dozens of meters. This truck then consecutively crashed into a small 1.4-ton truck and a pickup truck parked on the sidewalk of residents. Fortunately, both vehicles parked on the sidewalk were unoccupied at the time of the accident.
The final consequence of the multi-vehicle collision was the fertilizer truck plunging into a roadside drainage ditch and overturning. Tons of fertilizer spilled onto the road surface, causing pollution and further hindering rescue and scene clearance efforts.
The chain collision resulted in injuries to the fertilizer truck driver, who was hospitalized for emergency treatment. All involved vehicles were heavily damaged, with the fertilizer truck and the dump truck sustaining the most serious damage. Traffic on National Highway 20, a vital route connecting Lam Dong with other provinces and cities, was severely congested in both directions for many hours.
Immediately after the accident occurred, functional forces, including traffic police and rescue units, quickly arrived at the scene to regulate traffic, ensure safety, and deploy rescue and scene clearance operations. By the afternoon of the same day, the accident scene was basically cleared, and traffic gradually returned to normal.
The initial cause of the accident is believed to be brake failure of the fertilizer truck while descending the slope. However, authorities are still continuing to investigate and clarify the exact cause to reach a final conclusion and handle it according to legal regulations. The accident once again raises a warning bell about traffic safety issues on National Highway 20, especially for heavy trucks traveling through mountainous pass areas in Lam Dong.
