On 13/1, Vung Ang Ward Police announced they are working with driver Kien, 49, residing in Nhan Hoa ward, Bac Ninh province. They are also assessing the injuries of three victims from the accident to determine the course of action.

The accident scene on the morning of 12/1. Photo: Hung Le

Driver Kien stated that he was using his phone to text while driving, which caused him to lose observation of the vehicle ahead, leading to the accident. Investigators identified the initial cause as the container truck driver's lack of observation, failure to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, and inability to ensure a speed that allowed for stopping.

Rapid tests showed driver Kien was negative for drugs and alcohol.

After 9h on 12/1, driver Kien was operating a container truck with Bac Ninh license plates on the Ky Anh bypass. As he passed through Vung Ang ward, he collided with a 5-seater oto with Ha Tinh license plates, which was carrying four people and traveling in the same direction ahead. The impact pushed the 5-seater oto into the rear of a truck with Hanoi license plates, which then struck the rear of a passenger bus with Hung Yen license plates.

The 5-seater oto after being pulled from under the truck. Photo: Hung Le

As a result, the 5-seater oto was severely wedged under the truck. Three occupants inside, including Nguyen Sy Truc, 56; Pham Quang Tinh, 49; and Pham Quang Dung, 38, were taken to Ky Anh Town General Hospital for emergency treatment. They were later transferred to Ha Tinh Provincial General Hospital. They sustained multiple injuries to the head and eyes, dislocations, and are being monitored for traumatic brain injury, but are currently conscious.

Occupants of the other three vehicles were not injured. The three vehicles involved sustained heavy damage to their front and rear. Traffic in the area was congested. The accident site is about 20 m wide, clear, with no houses on either side. At the time of the accident, the weather was dry, with no rain.

Duc Hung