The incident occurred around 6:30 am when Tran Thanh Hai, 27, was driving a mail truck on National Highway 1 in the north-south direction. Upon reaching the Long Thanh section of Cu Mong Pass in Xuan Loc commune, the vehicle suddenly lost control, veered into the oncoming lane, and collided with a motorbike carrying two people.

The impact threw Huynh Quoc Hoc, 44, and Nguyen Thi Vi, 34, both residents of Xuan Loc commune, from their motorbike. Mr. Hoc died at the scene. Ms. Vi sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Gia Lai Provincial General Hospital, located over 20 km from the accident site.

The accident scene. Photo: Minh Khue

At the scene, the motorbike was trapped under the truck and lodged in a drainage ditch. The front of the truck was damaged. The weather at the time of the accident was overcast with light rain. Initial tests confirmed the driver had no alcohol in his system and tested negative for drugs. Preliminary findings indicate the truck driver lost control while descending the pass.

Authorities deployed two specialized vehicles and 13 officers and soldiers to the scene for rescue operations and traffic control. The victim's body was recovered from the scene around 8:30 am.

Cu Mong Pass is approximately 7 km long, characterized by hilly terrain and numerous winding curves, making it a frequent site for traffic accidents.

Bui Toan