On the morning of August 2, 2025, the Gia Lai Department of Construction convened an urgent meeting in response to a tragic accident involving an electric tourist vehicle in Quy Nhon, which resulted in one death and two injuries. The incident, which occurred on the evening of August 1 at Nguyen Tat Thanh square, has prompted swift and decisive action from provincial authorities to review and regulate the operation of electric vehicles used for tourism in the area.
Mr. Nguyen Truong Son, Director of the Gia Lai Department of Construction, issued a directive to immediately suspend all operations of electric vehicle companies starting August 3. This suspension aims to facilitate a thorough review of the vehicles and drivers to ensure compliance with safety and operational standards. Only those meeting the required conditions will be permitted to resume service, and companies failing to meet these standards must implement necessary improvements or cease operations altogether.
During the meeting, Mr. Son emphasized the importance of strict management over drivers and adherence to legal regulations. He also called on the company responsible for the accident to provide full support to the injured victims and the family of the deceased. Furthermore, he demanded that all parties involved in the accident be held strictly accountable to serve as a deterrent against future incidents.
The electric vehicle in question, a four-wheel tourist car bearing license plate 77HC-001.13 and operated by Mr. Nguyen Kim Khai, 39, was traveling at approximately 26 kilometers per hour when it collided with a group of pedestrians crossing Nguyen Tat Thanh street at a designated crosswalk. The pedestrians—Ms. D.T.T.S (60 years old), child L.D.M (8 years old), and Ms. H.T.N (69 years old)—were all from Tay Ninh province.
Tragically, Ms. H.T.N sustained severe injuries and passed away before receiving emergency treatment at Gia Lai Provincial Central General Hospital. The other two victims were seriously injured but are currently recovering; notably, child L.D.M underwent surgery to remove a subdural hematoma and has since regained consciousness, remaining under close medical observation.
Initial investigations suggest that the accident was caused by the driver's inattention. The vehicle showed no signs of braking at the time of impact, dragging the victims nearly two meters before coming to a stop. The driver possessed a valid Class C driving license, and the vehicle had a current inspection certificate. The case has been transferred to the Provincial Police Investigation Agency for further inquiry.
In the weeks leading up to the accident, traffic police had already been monitoring electric tourist vehicles closely. Between mid to late July 2025, authorities conducted both overt and covert operations, recording 29 violations among the 112 electric vehicles operating in Quy Nhon. Common infractions included drivers using mobile phones while driving, driving against traffic flow, and improper parking. The high rate of violations highlighted systemic issues in managing this mode of transportation.
Following the accident, the Department of Construction, in collaboration with the Provincial Traffic Police Department, plans to increase patrols, inspections, and enforcement actions to ensure compliance. Public awareness campaigns will also be intensified to promote safety among drivers and tourists alike.
Moreover, it is anticipated that after the comprehensive review, electric tourist vehicles will be restricted to operating only on roads with speed limits under 30 kilometers per hour, specifically on Xuan Dieu street in Quy Nhon ward, and only within the hours of 4:30 PM to midnight. This measure seeks to reduce risks and enhance safety for pedestrians and passengers.
Local authorities have also demonstrated solidarity with the victims' families. Mr. Phan Tuan Hoang, Vice Chairman of Quy Nhon Ward People's Committee, confirmed that local government and the Gia Lai Provincial Traffic Safety Committee have visited and supported the families affected by the accident. He reported that the two injured victims are recovering steadily following surgery, while arrangements are underway to repatriate the deceased for her funeral.
Representatives from Thinh Hung Trading Tourism Company, the firm managing the electric vehicle involved, have expressed their commitment to providing maximum assistance to the victims and their families during this difficult time.
This incident has cast a spotlight on the rapid growth of electric tourist vehicles in Gia Lai province, which currently number 112 across three companies. While these vehicles offer an eco-friendly and convenient option for tourists, the recent spate of violations and this tragic accident underscore the urgent need for tighter regulation and oversight.
As Mr. Nguyen Truong Son remarked, "After the comprehensive inspection, only vehicles and drivers meeting operational standards will be allowed to resume service. We urge companies to strictly manage their drivers and comply fully with the law to ensure the safety of residents and visitors." Meanwhile, traffic police have already begun intensified inspections and have required all operators to sign commitments to uphold safety regulations.
The tragic collision on Nguyen Tat Thanh street serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of lapses in attention and regulation. Gia Lai authorities are now moving swiftly to prevent such incidents from happening again, balancing the benefits of electric tourism vehicles with the paramount need for public safety.
