Around 12:40, Nguyen Van Thinh, 50, a resident of Hong Son village, Lao Cai ward, was taking his 7-year-old nephew to buy fruit at the market on Da Tuong street. They were riding a scooter.

After buying the fruit, Mr. Thinh tried to start the scooter, but it wouldn't start. He then put the scooter on its center stand to kick-start it. His nephew climbed onto the seat and twisted the throttle.

When the engine started, the scooter surged forward because the boy was still holding the throttle open. Mr. Thinh tried to hold the scooter back, but it was too late.

A representative of the Lao Cai Ward People's Committee (UBND) said the scooter traveled about 50 meters before crashing into the sidewalk in front of house number 28 Ngo Van So street. The boy fell and died at the scene. The scooter was damaged.

After examining the scene, authorities released the boy's body to his family for funeral arrangements. Local authorities also visited the family to offer condolences and support.

Viet An