The incident of a pickup truck driver causing a chain of accidents in Hanoi on March 15th has sparked debate about whether citizens have the right to chase and subdue suspects. This article will analyze the legal aspects of “chasing a pickup truck that causes an accident” to clarify the issue.
Pickup Truck Driver Causes Chain Reaction Accidents and Citizen Actions
On March 15th, driver Le Tien Dung, operating a pickup truck, fled after resisting law enforcement, causing a chain reaction of accidents on the streets of Hanoi. Dung crashed into several motorbikes and a truck before being chased by citizens who broke his car window and subdued him. A drug test revealed Dung was positive for narcotics. The citizens’ actions of chasing the pickup truck driver who caused the accident raises questions about legality. 
Damaged vehicles and concerned citizens at the scene of a traffic accident caused by a pickup truck in Hanoi
Emergency Situations and the Right to Arrest a Suspect in the Act
Lawyer Dang Van Cuong argues that the citizens’ actions were legal, considered an emergency situation and an arrest of a suspect in the act. According to Article 23 of the 2015 Penal Code, an emergency situation is when a person must cause lesser damage to avoid greater damage to their own legitimate interests, those of others, or the State. In this case, stopping a pickup truck driver who is out of control due to drugs is necessary to protect the lives and property of others.
Article 24 of the Penal Code also stipulates that the use of necessary force to arrest a person caught in the act of committing a crime is legal. Therefore, the citizens breaking the car window to subdue the driver is not a crime and they are exempt from liability for compensation. 
Lawyer Dang Van Cuong explaining legal aspects of citizen's arrest in a TV interview setting
Risks of Pursuit and Lawyer Recommendations
Although the action of chasing the pickup truck that caused the accident originated from good intentions, lawyer Nguyen Ngoc Hung advises citizens to be cautious. Pursuing an out-of-control driver is very dangerous and can cause accidents for the pursuers themselves and those around them.
Lawyer Hung suggests that citizens should prioritize assisting victims, providing information to authorities, and allowing professional forces to carry out the pursuit. Self-pursuit should only be carried out when personal safety is ensured and traffic laws are followed. 
Lawyer Nguyen Ngoc Hung giving safety advice during a legal consultation
Conclusion
Chasing a pickup truck that causes an accident can be considered a legal action in an emergency situation to prevent more serious consequences. However, citizens need to carefully consider the balance between benefits and risks, prioritize their own safety, and comply with the law. Supporting authorities by providing information and helping victims are more practical and safer actions.
