On 10/10, a representative of the organizing committee for the Nga Nam Ward Expanded Composite Vo Lai Racing Championship 2026 announced the decision to halt the event. The race was slated to take place on the same day along the Quan Lo - Phung Hiep River, specifically the section adjacent to Nguyen Trai Street.

The organizing committee stated that preparations did not meet safety requirements, necessitating the cancellation of the race.

This decision followed a fatal accident on the morning of 9/10. A young man, who had traveled from Ca Mau with a group of athletes to Nga Nam Ward for the race, was reportedly test-driving a high-speed vo lai (a type of motorized dugout canoe common in the Mekong Delta) on the Quan Lo - Phung Hiep River, near the designated competition area. During the test run, the boat broke in half, and the driver died.

The vo lai broke in half after the accident on the morning of 9/10. *Photo: Residents provided*

Leaders of Nga Nam Ward People's Committee confirmed that the victim was not among the registered athletes. Local authorities extended their condolences and support to the family.

The Nga Nam Ward Expanded Composite Vo Lai Racing Championship 2026 was initially announced on 22/9. It was expected to draw 48 athletes from Can Tho, An Giang, Ca Mau, Tay Ninh, and Vinh Long, competing on a 700-meter course.

The moment the vo lai broke in half during the accident, killing the driver. *Video: Residents provided*

The race regulations stipulated that athletes would use composite vo lai boats, each 5,2 meters long, weighing 40-45 kilograms, and powered by a 20 horsepower gasoline engine. The first prize offered 40 million VND, a new vo lai, an engine, and a propeller set. Subsequent prizes ranged from 5-20 million VND, along with other items.

An Binh