Late on 2/5, a Dak Lak-plated vehicle carrying three people was traveling on National Highway 24 from former Kon Tum to eastern Quang Ngai. As it descended to the foot of Vi O Lac pass in Ba Vi commune, the vehicle swerved into a mountain cliff section without a guardrail, then overturned.

The truck overturned after hitting the mountain cliff. *Photo: Police provided*

At the scene, the front of the truck was embedded in the base of the mountain, the cargo bed jutted out onto the road, and many items were scattered outside. The two deceased were Le Dinh Tho (46 years old, from Da Nang) and a person named Minh, whose identity remains unknown.

The third person, Nguyen Hong Nam (34 years old, from Dak Lak), was injured and taken to emergency care by authorities.

It is currently unknown who was driving the vehicle; authorities are continuing their investigation.

Vi O Lac pass is about 50 km long, located on National Highway 24 in the border area between Kon Plong commune and Ba To commune (Quang Ngai). The pass summit is about 1,300 m above sea level, featuring many sharp curves and rugged terrain. Fog often occurs on the pass at night, early morning, and late afternoon, reducing visibility.

Vi O Lac pass is on National Highway 24, where the accident occurred near Quang Ngai. *Graphics: Hoang Khanh*

This route has seen many serious accidents. In March, a car carrying three people from former Kon Tum to Quang Ngai also plunged into a 200 m deep ravine, killing one person and injuring two.

The Quang Ngai Provincial People's Committee (UBND) has approved the investment policy to upgrade more than 48 km of National Highway 24, specifically the Ba To - Kon Plong section, with a total capital of 2,350 billion VND. The project is projected to be implemented from 2026.

Pham Linh