Around 3:40 AM, a car with a Ho Chi Minh City license plate was traveling on the Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Luong expressway towards the Mien Tay region. Upon reaching Tan Huong commune, the car began emitting smoke before catching fire. The driver stopped in lane two and managed to evacuate a woman and a boy, approximately three years old, to safety.

Car engulfed in flames on the expressway. Photo: Nam An

The driver then attempted to extinguish the fire using an on-site fire extinguisher, but was unsuccessful. The car was completely consumed by the blaze, sending a plume of smoke dozens of meters high. CSGT (traffic police) and the expressway management unit promptly dispatched a fire truck to the scene to put out the fire.

Given the holiday peak and heavy traffic, the fire caused several hours of congestion on the expressway.

Police examining the scene. Photo: Nam An

Police diverted vehicles towards Quoc Lo 1 (National Highway 1) to alleviate the traffic jam. By approximately 6:30 AM, the road was clear again. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

The Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Luong expressway spans 50 km, featuring four lanes and two emergency lanes. It has been operational since 2010. After many years of service, increased traffic volume has led to frequent congestion and accidents. Expansion of the expressway is currently underway.

Route of the Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Luong - My Thuan expressway. Graphics: Dang Hieu

Nam An