Around 3 p.m., a tractor-trailer with a Dong Thap license plate was traveling on the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay expressway, heading from Dong Nai towards Ho Chi Minh City. About 3 km past the National Highway 51 interchange, in Nhon Trach ward, the driver noticed flames erupting in the cabin area and pulled the vehicle over to the emergency lane.

Flames engulfed the cabin of the tractor-trailer on the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh expressway. *Photo: Thai Ha*

Workers involved in the expressway expansion project rushed to assist the driver in extinguishing the fire, but their efforts were unsuccessful. About 10 minutes later, flames engulfed the cabin, sending thick black smoke high into the air.

"Before the fire grew large, the front right wheel of the tractor-trailer caught fire and then detached, hitting a 7-seater car traveling behind," said Hai, a witness to the incident.

Dong Nai Fire Prevention, Fighting and Rescue Police dispatched two fire trucks and dozens of officers to the scene. By approximately 3:45 p.m., the fire was largely brought under control.

Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh expressway route. *Graphic: Hoang Thanh*

According to VEC E, the expressway management unit, the incident caused no casualties; however, the tractor-trailer's cabin was completely burned, leaving only its frame. The fire caused traffic heading from Dong Nai towards Ho Chi Minh City to back up for nearly 4 km.

Traffic Police were present at the National Highway 51 interchange to direct and guide some vehicles off the expressway onto alternative routes.

The Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay expressway is approximately 55 km long, serving as a key transportation artery connecting Ho Chi Minh City with Dong Nai, Long Thanh airport, and the southeastern and south central provinces. The section from the An Phu interchange to Long Thanh is currently being expanded to 8-10 lanes.

Phuoc Tuan