Around 12h, a tractor-trailer transporting multiple square iron containers was traveling on national highway 51, heading from TP HCM towards Dong Nai. As it reached the Loc An intersection in Long Thanh ward, the driver applied the brakes suddenly. This abrupt stop caused the rear iron containers to snap their restraints and slide forcefully forward due to inertia.

The tractor-trailer cabin was completely crushed. Photo: Thai Ha

The impact crushed the vehicle's cabin onto the road, deforming it completely. Two concrete pillars, used to secure the iron containers, also fell onto the road. Traffic was light at the time of the accident, which prevented a chain collision. The driver was trapped inside the cabin. Residents broke open the door to rescue him, and he sustained injuries. Dong Nai traffic police arrived to manage traffic, inspect the scene, and investigate the accident's cause.

National highway 51, approximately 72 km long, is a vital transportation route connecting TP HCM with Dong Nai. It hosts seaports like Cai Mep - Thi Vai and major industrial zones, leading to a consistently high volume of container trucks and steel transport vehicles. This route has seen many serious accidents, often involving vehicles carrying large steel coils and iron.

Several concrete pillars and iron containers fell onto the road after the accident. Photo: Thai Ha

According to authorities, most incidents of steel coils and iron containers falling from vehicles result from unsafe loading and unloading at ports or driver negligence. Factors include speeding or sudden braking at curves and traffic lights, which cause cargo to shift and chains to break. Currently, no specific regulations exist for securing steel coils and iron containers on tractor-trailers during transit; practices primarily rely on driver experience.

According to Article 24 of Decree 100/2019, drivers operating container trucks (including semi-trailers) without securely fastening containers to the vehicle can face a fine of 2–3 million dong and have their driving licenses revoked for one to three months.

Phuoc Tuan