On 30/7 at approximately 11:30 AM, D. Ha was driving alone on the Hanoi - Hai Phong expressway, heading from Hai Phong to Hanoi. As his vehicle passed beneath the Kim Doi overpass in Kien Thuy commune, a fist-sized rock fell from above, striking and shattering the windshield. Glass fragments immediately sprayed into the car's cabin.
The driver reported that the rock pierced the windshield and reportedly struck the dashcam before landing near the passenger seat. Despite this, glass fragments scattered throughout the cabin and struck Ha's face.
Following the incident, Ha safely reduced speed, assessed his surroundings, and pulled his car into the emergency lane. He then reported the event to the expressway management unit. Authorities arrived about two hours later to document the scene.
"I was fortunate not to be hit by the rock directly", Ha stated. "If this had happened at night or if the driver had less experience, the consequences could have been far more severe." The repair cost for Ha's vehicle is 11 million dong.
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Kim Doi overpass where the incident occurred. Photo: Google Maps, 2024 |
Scene of the car with the shattered windshield after the driver pulled into the emergency lane. Photo: D. Ha
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The rock that shattered the windshield.
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The rock flew into the car, hitting the dashcam.
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Glass shards scattered throughout the car cabin.
Reviewing his dashcam footage after the incident, Ha observed someone on the overpass at the time of the event. However, the camera's angle was too narrow, and the incident unfolded too quickly for him to definitively determine if the rock was thrown or if it was an accidental projectile, such as one kicked up by another vehicle.
The incident has been recorded by both the expressway management unit and the Traffic Police Department. Law enforcement agencies are currently investigating the cause to ensure appropriate legal action.
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Kim Doi overpass where the incident occurred. Photo: Google Maps, 2024
Objects falling onto expressways pose serious risks, including shattering windshields, obstructing driver vision, or startling drivers, all of which significantly increase the likelihood of accidents.
Should a vehicle be struck by a falling or thrown object on an expressway, drivers are advised to maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel and avoid sudden swerving or braking, as this could lead to loss of control. After safely reducing speed and assessing the situation, drivers should pull into an emergency lane or the nearest safe location, activate hazard lights, check on occupants, and then contact the road management unit and the Traffic Police Department to report the incident for investigation and handling.
Incidents of cars being struck by thrown rocks have occurred on various expressways, including the Hanoi - Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City - Dau Giay routes. Most recently, in March, police in Quang Tri province identified six teenagers, aged 13-15, who threw rocks that shattered the windshields of four cars on the Vung Ang - Bung expressway, causing approximately 55 million dong in damages, reportedly for amusement.
Pham Hai
