Legal proceedings launched after serious accident in Lai Chau

Both vehicles careened off a bridge, falling 10m into a stream. The case was prosecuted on charges of violating road traffic regulations.

Although both drivers died in the accident, the prosecution was launched to clarify the responsibility of involved individuals and organisations, according to Colonel Bui Xuan Phong, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Police.

"Currently, the investigation police agency have inspected eight tyres from the concrete mixer truck, while the engine and black box from the vehicle are being examined,” he said.

Initial enquiries showed that the truck was not being operated in accordance with technical regulations, affecting the braking system, he said, adding that the provincial police are instructing all units to urgently investigate the cause of the accident.

In related news, the Agriculture Bank Insurance Joint Stock Company’s Phu Tho Branch has cooperated with Hoanh Sơn Co Ltd – the company managing the truck, to provide 120 million VND (5,150 USD) for the families of those killed in the accident. Initially, each victim’s family will receive 10 million VND from the insurance payout. The Division of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs of Tam Duong district have received the payment which will be distributed to the families.

The branch has determined the level of liability in this accident is over 2 billion VND (88,000 USD).