A 5-seater automobile had its wheels knocked off, was deformed, and plunged nearly 15 m into the ravine. Three people were in the automobile at the time of the accident. All sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Rescue forces recovered the 5-seater automobile from the ravine early this morning.

At 10h, a 200-ton crane successfully recovered the container truck body from a 30 m deep ravine, bringing it to the road surface of Bao Loc pass on national highway 20. The 40-foot container, carrying tens of tons of potatoes, was also retrieved. Traffic resumed across the pass as the accident scene was cleared.

The container truck body was severely damaged and heavily broken. The accident occurred last night when driver Ma Hoang Phuoc, 60 years old, from TP HCM, was driving a container truck carrying potatoes on national highway 20 in the Da Lat - TP HCM direction. While descending Bao Loc pass, in the section passing Da Huoai 2 commune, the truck suddenly lost control, swerved into the oncoming lane, collided with three other vehicles, and then plunged into the ravine along with a 5-seater automobile.

The impact destroyed many meters of guardrail along the national highway. The container truck plunged about 30 m into the ravine, where large trees stopped its descent.

To recover the container truck, Madaguoi Traffic Police had to block both ends of the pass, causing thousands of cars and motorbikes to form a severe traffic jam. The accident occurred on a weekend, leading to heavy traffic as this route connects to the tourist destination of Da Lat.

Traffic was congested, stretching over 10 km on the pass this morning. Police advised drivers to choose alternative routes to alleviate the congestion.

Bao Loc pass is located on national highway 20, connecting Da Huoai district with the former Bao Loc city. Approximately 10 km long, it features many dangerous curves and is prone to accidents. This is a vital transportation artery linking the Southeast region with Lam Dong. An expressway is currently under construction in the area to alleviate traffic on national highway 20 and shorten travel times.

Hoai Thanh - Truong Ha