On the evening of March 16, 2025, tragedy struck at the intersection of Vo Nguyen Giap and Le Van Viet streets in Thu Duc City, Vietnam. A Mercedes driven by 41-year-old N.T.T.N. crashed severely, injuring multiple motorcyclists waiting at a red light. The incident left five people injured, including one who was rendered unconscious.
According to local authorities, N.T.T.N. was traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Nai when she inadvertently accelerated instead of slowing down. Her vehicle crashed directly onto ten motorcycles, causing significant destruction and chaos. Witnesses reported the sound of metal crumpling as the car plowed through the waiting motorcycles, with some individuals thrown off their bikes upon impact. One rider was ejected onto the hood of the Mercedes, only to be pushed approximately 30 meters before crashing onto the asphalt.
Within moments of the crash, emergency services were called to the scene to tend to the victims. Those injured were rushed to the hospital, and among them, 28-year-old H.T.T.T. from Dong Nai was reported critically injured and unconscious. Officials quickly established a perimeter around the scene to control the flow and secure evidence for investigation purposes.
Witnesses recounted N.T.T.N.'s immediate reaction post-accident. Distressed and visibly shaken, she stepped out of her vehicle crying, appearing overwhelmed by the incident. Police noted suctions of emotional turmoil during their interactions with her, leading investigators to suspect underlying issues.
During the subsequent investigation, authorities discovered the female driver had written a letter expressing negative thoughts, indicating she might have been dealing with emotional distress related to personal issues. One police officer stated, "The police are consolid ating documents to handle the driver according to regulations." This raises questions about her mental state and the events leading up to the crash.
Further assessments revealed N.T.T.N.'s breathalyzer test result showed her blood alcohol concentration exceeded 0.4mg/l, well above the legal limit for drivers. Law enforcement has since taken samples of her blood for comprehensive testing to confirm the alcohol level.
N.T.T.N. legally possessed a class B2 driving license, permitting her to operate the vehicle. Despite this, the accident's circumstances highlight serious violations, as she drove her car erroneously onto lanes reserved for motorcycles. She exhibited disregard for traffic regulations, leading to significant collateral damage and injuries, prompting the Ho Chi Minh City Police to take action against her.
Describing the aftermath, local police reported multiple motorcycles lying wrecked and disabled at the intersection, with one bike set ablaze after being lodged under the front of N.T.T.N.'s car. The footage from the scene depicted scattered vehicles and distressed individuals attending to the wounded.
The cause of this accident extends beyond mere human error, touching upon the broader public issue of road safety and the grim consequences of driving under the influence. The Ho Chi Minh City authorities are now urging citizens to adhere strictly to traffic laws and avoid operating vehicles after consuming alcohol, believing public awareness can prevent such dire situations from recurring.
Moving forward, officials will continue to develop strategies and enforcement to uphold road safety for everyone. N.T.T.N.'s case is expected to serve as both a piece of evidence and a reminder to the public about the importance of responsible driving.
With the repercussions of such tragic events weighing heavily upon the community, residents can only hope for healing for the victims and lessons learned to deter future negligence on the roads.