Around 5h, a container truck transporting thousands of cement bags was traveling from Mai Chi Tho street towards Cat Lai Port. Near Giong Ong To bridge, the vehicle struck the median strip, breaking two signposts before veering onto the shoulder.

A tractor-trailer knocked over dozens of meters of concrete median and swerved onto the roadside. Photo: Minh Bang

Minutes later, flames erupted from beneath the vehicle. The driver managed to escape. The fire quickly engulfed the tractor unit, sending a column of black smoke high into the air.

Two fire trucks and 12 firefighters arrived at the scene, extinguishing the blaze in about 10 minutes. The fire caused no casualties but destroyed the tractor unit and damaged much of the cargo.

The burnt vehicle blocked the mixed-use lane, causing traffic congestion on the route to Cat Lai Port. Traffic police were dispatched to direct traffic and manage the scene.

Smoke and fire engulfed the tractor-trailer after the accident. Video: Minh Bang

Dong Van Cong and Vo Chi Cong are the two main arterial roads connecting the eastern gateway of TP HCM to the former District 7 area and Cat Lai Port. Over 20,000 container trucks use these routes daily.

Dinh Van