In a surprising turn of events, two cars blocked National Route 20 in Lam Dong province, Vietnam, on May 2, 2025, to allow a caravan of the 2030 Businessmen's Club to pass. This spontaneous act sparked outrage among the public and raised serious concerns about traffic safety and law enforcement.
The incident occurred around 9 AM when approximately 200 businessmen and representatives embarked on a tour, traveling in 67 vehicles from Ho Chi Minh City through several provinces, including Binh Phuoc and Lam Dong. The group stopped at the Dai Tung Lam Hoa Sen tourist area in Da Huoai district for sightseeing and community service activities.
After visiting the tourist site, the caravan was scheduled to continue their journey towards Da Lat City. However, at approximately 1 PM, two members of the group, identified as Pham Van Ngoc (born 1982) and Nguyen Van Dung (born 1981), took it upon themselves to block both directions of National Route 20. Their intention was to facilitate the passage of the caravan, but this action led to significant traffic disruption.
As vehicles on the busy highway were forced to halt, drivers expressed their frustration at the unusual and dangerous behavior exhibited by the two men. This obstruction not only violated traffic regulations but also posed a risk to public safety.
In response to the incident, the Lam Dong Provincial Police took immediate action. They temporarily seized the documents of the vehicles involved, as well as the driver's licenses of Ngoc and Dung. The police are currently investigating the situation to assess the extent of the violations and to ensure that appropriate measures are taken against those responsible.
Trinh Van Thanh, the head of the organizing committee for the caravan, publicly apologized for the actions of his fellow members. He described the incident as an impulsive decision made in haste, stating, "We sincerely apologize to all authorities and the community, especially to the residents in the area where the caravan passed. This was a spontaneous act by a few members who aimed to assist the caravan and ensure the safety of other road users, but it inadvertently violated traffic laws."
Thanh emphasized that the group recognizes the seriousness of their actions and is prepared to accept any penalties imposed as a result. He acknowledged the negative impact that this incident could have on the community and the reputation of the caravan event.
The caravan's journey, which started on May 1, was intended to foster connections among business leaders and promote investment opportunities across the regions visited. However, the actions of a few individuals have overshadowed the original purpose of the trip.
On May 3, just a day after the initial incident, two more members of the caravan were reported to have blocked traffic on National Route 20 in Duc Trong district, again causing delays for other vehicles. This pattern of behavior raised further concerns among law enforcement about the potential for ongoing traffic violations.
According to initial investigations by the Lam Dong Province Police, the individuals involved in both incidents admitted that their actions were spontaneous and not premeditated. They did not receive any instructions from the caravan organizers to block the road, indicating a lack of coordination within the group.
As the authorities continue their investigation, they are committed to addressing these violations firmly. The police stated, "We will assess the evidence collected and handle the violations of the individuals involved according to regulations, with a strict adherence to the law and no exceptions."
Public sentiment remains critical of the actions taken by the caravan members, with many calling for stricter enforcement of traffic laws to prevent similar incidents in the future. Local residents and drivers have expressed their concerns about the implications of such behavior on overall road safety and traffic culture.
In the wake of the incident, the organizing committee of the 2030 Businessmen's Club has been urged to implement stricter protocols for future events to ensure that participants are aware of and adhere to traffic regulations. The hope is that by learning from this experience, they can prevent any future disruptions and maintain a positive image for their organization.
As the investigation unfolds, the Lam Dong Provincial Police are expected to release further details regarding the handling of the case and any potential penalties for the individuals involved. The community is watching closely, eager to see how this situation will be resolved and what measures will be put in place to ensure road safety in the future.
Ultimately, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to traffic laws and the potential consequences of impulsive actions. As the caravan members reflect on their choices, it is hoped that they will take this opportunity to learn and grow, fostering a culture of respect for the rules of the road.
