On the afternoon of July 13, 2025, a tragic multi-vehicle accident unfolded on National Highway 46A in Van An commune, Nghe An province, Vietnam, resulting in three deaths and multiple injuries. The incident involved a white car driven by 37-year-old Tran Huu Ba, which collided with two motorcycles near the Thien Duong bridge over the Cut River before plunging into the river itself.
According to local authorities and eyewitnesses, the accident occurred around 16:30 near kilometer 32+100 on the highway, in the Ba Ha block of Van An commune. Mr. Ba was traveling in the direction from Kim Lien to Van An, accompanied by two passengers: Tran Van Trung, 35, a resident of Van An, and Tran Huu Son, 35, from Vinh city. The car suddenly lost control and crashed into two motorcycles traveling ahead.
One of the motorcycles was driven by Dau Dinh Cong, 32, from Dai Hue commune, who was carrying his wife Nguyen Thi Binh, 28, and their two sons, aged 4 and 9. The second motorcycle belonged to Hoang Thi Quy, 52, who was riding in the same direction. The collision caused severe damage to the motorcycles and inflicted serious injuries on those involved.
Tragically, Mr. Cong died at the scene. Mr. Ba, Mrs. Binh, and their 4-year-old son sustained heavy injuries and were rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment. Meanwhile, the 9-year-old nephew of Mr. Cong and Mr. Son went missing after the car plunged into the river.
Eyewitnesses reported that at the time of the crash, there were three occupants in the car. Two of them managed to escape by opening the car doors before it sank, but one person remained unaccounted for. Rescue teams were quickly dispatched by local police and militia to the scene to conduct search and rescue operations.
By approximately 18:00, rescue forces successfully retrieved the submerged vehicle from the river, finding it empty. The two survivors from the car were confirmed to have been transported to the hospital. The search then intensified for the missing individuals believed to be trapped or lost in the river.
Throughout the evening, hundreds of residents gathered near the accident site, anxiously observing the rescue efforts. The local authorities coordinated the deployment of boats, nets, and divers to scour the river within a 100-meter radius around the bridge, despite the challenges posed by the dark night and strong currents.
At around 21:30, rescue teams located the body of the 9-year-old boy, Dau Dinh Q., in the river. His remains were recovered and handed over to his family for burial. The somber discovery was a heartbreaking confirmation of the tragedy’s toll on the community.
Search operations continued into the night for the remaining missing person, Tran Huu Son. Unfortunately, the difficult conditions made the task arduous. Finally, in the early hours of July 14, at about 00:30, rescuers found the body of Mr. Son approximately 200 meters downstream from the accident site.
The accident thus claimed three lives: Mr. Dau Dinh Cong, his nephew Dau Dinh Q., and Mr. Tran Huu Son. Additionally, three others sustained serious injuries, including the driver Mr. Ba, Mrs. Binh, and the 4-year-old son.
Local officials, including Vuong Hong Thai, Chairman of Van An Commune People's Committee, confirmed that immediate rescue measures were undertaken following the accident. He noted that the exact number of missing persons was initially unclear due to the number of injured and the chaotic scene.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the accident. Initial reports suggest that Mr. Ba's vehicle lost control near the Thien Duong bridge, which led to the fatal collisions and the car breaking through the bridge railing before falling into the river.
The tragic event has deeply affected the local community, with many residents expressing sorrow and concern for the victims’ families. The incident also highlights the dangers of traffic accidents on busy rural highways, particularly near bridges and river crossings.
As rescue teams concluded their operations, the focus has shifted to supporting the injured and mourning the deceased. The local government has pledged assistance to the affected families during this difficult time.
This devastating accident serves as a somber reminder of the critical importance of road safety and vigilance, especially in areas prone to accidents. The investigation by Nghe An Provincial Police aims to clarify the circumstances and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
