After floodwaters receded, the tractor-trailer was found tilted on a sandy bank mid-river, about 50 meters from shore. Rescue teams used an excavator to upright the vehicle. The vehicle suffered extensive damage, with its trailer broken and cab deformed. The bank, covered in rocks and debris, complicated recovery, requiring rescuers to dismantle the cab and trailer for transport ashore.

Rescue forces recover the tractor-trailer. *Video: Minh Pham*

Ho Van Hien, Vice Chairman of La Lay Commune, reported continued rain, and while river levels had dropped, the current remained powerful. Nearly 100 personnel from the Border Guard, provincial police, communal forces, and local residents continued their grouped search for driver Nguyen Van Thanh, 48 years old, formerly of Quang Binh.

The search extended downstream, with boats patrolling the water and ground teams following both riverbanks. La Lay communal authorities notified Ta Rut and Dak Rong communes to coordinate efforts.

The cab and trailer brought ashore. *Photo: Minh Pham*

On the afternoon of 17/11, Thanh drove a tractor-trailer loaded with coal on National Highway 15D, attempting to cross the A Rong overflow bridge despite high floodwaters and existing prohibitory barriers. Midway across, the current swept the vehicle away. Thanh managed to climb onto the trailer, but within 15 minutes, the vehicle overturned and drifted, causing his disappearance.

On the afternoon of 18/11, authorities located Thanh's trousers and vehicle keys, approximately 4 km downstream from the accident site.

Dac Thanh