On May 4, 2025, authorities in Lam Dong province took action to investigate a troubling incident involving a group of businesspeople who blocked National Highway 20, causing significant traffic congestion. The incident sparked public outrage and raised questions about the conduct of the individuals involved.
The group, part of the 2030 Business Club, was on a tour that combined sightseeing, business networking, and charitable activities across several provinces. Comprised of approximately 200 members traveling in 67 vehicles, their itinerary included a route from Ho Chi Minh City through Binh Phuoc, Lam Dong, and Khanh Hoa, before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.
On May 2, the group arrived at the Dai Tung Lam Hoa Sen tourist area in Da M'ri town, where they spent time exploring the site. However, the situation escalated around 1:00 PM when two members of the group, identified as Mr. Pham Van Ngoc (43) and Mr. Nguyen Van Dung (44), took it upon themselves to block traffic on National Highway 20 to facilitate the movement of their convoy towards Da Lat City.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that the two men drove their vehicles into the lanes of traffic, effectively halting vehicles traveling in both directions for several minutes. This spontaneous act led to a traffic jam that lasted for approximately three minutes, causing frustration among other drivers who were caught in the disruption.
On May 3, as the group continued their journey, another incident occurred when Mr. Le Hoang Nam (37) stopped his vehicle in the middle of the highway to ask for directions, further obstructing traffic. When the group exited a restaurant in Duc Trong district later that day, Mr. Le Hoang Lam (46) also positioned his vehicle to block the road, allowing the convoy to merge back onto the highway, which again resulted in traffic delays.
According to the Lam Dong Provincial Police, the actions of these individuals were spontaneous and not premeditated. They admitted that they had not received any official instruction to block the road, stating that their sole intention was to ensure a smooth passage for their group. However, they have since recognized that their actions were illegal and violated traffic regulations.
In a statement released by the police, it was noted that the individuals involved would face consequences for their actions, which violated the provisions of Decree 168/2024/ND-CP regarding traffic safety. The police have temporarily confiscated the vehicles' documents and the drivers' licenses of those involved as part of the ongoing investigation.
On the morning of May 4, the organizing committee of the 2030 Volunteer Caravan issued a formal apology to the authorities and the public. The committee expressed regret for the actions of its members, describing them as impulsive and well-intentioned but ultimately misguided. They emphasized that the intention was to ensure safety for all road users, but acknowledged the negative impact their actions had on traffic flow and public perception.
"We sincerely apologize to all relevant authorities and the local community, especially those affected by our actions. This was an impulsive act by some members of our group who aimed to assist our convoy and ensure safety on the road. However, we recognize that it inadvertently violated traffic laws," the statement read.
The incident has raised broader concerns about the behavior of organized groups on public roads and the potential consequences of such actions. Local residents and drivers have voiced their frustration, highlighting the need for better coordination and communication among large groups traveling on busy highways.
As the Lam Dong Provincial Police continue their investigation, they are gathering evidence to assess the full extent of the violations and determine appropriate penalties for those involved. Authorities have reiterated the importance of adhering to traffic regulations to ensure the safety and convenience of all road users.
The incident serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with organizing large group events and the potential ramifications of disregarding traffic laws. As the community awaits further developments, the focus remains on how to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
