The scene of the traffic accident that killed three members of HAGL Football Club. Photo baogialai.com.vn

GIA LAI — A truck driver has been arrested after a fatal crash in Gia Lai Province that killed three members of Hoàng Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) football club.

Đinh Tiến Bình was taken into custody following his involvement in the accident that took place in Chư Pưh District, Gia Lai Province on Saturday afternoon. 

According to the initial investigation conducted by the Gia Lai Investigation Police Agency, Dương Minh Ninh, the deputy director and coach of the HAGL club, succumbed to a traumatic brain injury. Doctor Đào Trọng Trí lost his life due to a closed chest injury, while footballer Paollo Madeira Olivera suffered a skull fracture and brain contusion, leading to his death.

The driver of the HAGL car, Nguyễn Tú Sinh, sustained a broken collarbone and closed chest trauma and is currently receiving treatment at Gia Lai Provincial General Hospital.

After examining the documents and evidence, the police concluded that truck driver Bình, a resident of Hòa Bình Village, Nhơn Hòa Town, Chư Pưh District, failed to comply with the overtaking regulations stated in Clause 02, Article 14 of the 2008 Law on Road Traffic.

The police also confirmed that none of the drivers involved in the accident had consumed alcohol or tested positive for drugs.

Driver Sinh, aged 57, miraculously survived the harrowing incident and is now conscious and responsive.

Driver Sinh survived the crash and is now conscious and responsive. VNA/VNS Photo

In an interview with a reporter from the Vietnam News Agency on Sunday, Sinh recounted the events leading up to the accident.

He said on Saturday morning, he had driven from Pleiku City, Gia Lai Province to Buôn Ma Thuột airport to pick up three members of the HAGL Club who had just played against Sông Lam Nghệ An in the second leg of the V.League 1 2023.

Around 2:40pm, while en route to Ia Hrú Commune, Chư Pứh District, Gia Lai Province, the car suddenly collided with truck No 81H-027.60, driven by Bình, who was traveling in the same direction. The impact caused Sinh's car to lose control and veer into the opposite lane, colliding with truck No 47C-263.06, which was traveling in the opposite direction.

Sinh said: "At the time, I wasn't aware of what happened to truck No 81H-027.60. When I realised that I was struck from behind, I quickly glanced in the mirror to assess the situation. Before I knew it, I was instantly hit and trapped between the two vehicles. It all happened about five seconds."

On Sunday, Vice Chairman of the National Traffic Safety Committee Khuất Việt Hùng, and Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Gia Lai Province Nguyễn Hữu Quế, visited the accident scene and offered support to the families of the victims. Hùng urged the relevant departments in Gia Lai Province to thoroughly investigate and establish the cause of the accident, handling strictly according to the provisions of law.

Meanwhile, chairman Đoàn Nguyên Đức of HAGL Club was deeply shocked upon receiving this tragic news.

He said: "I was immediately informed about the incident, and I am profoundly shocked and saddened. This loss is truly immense for HAGL."

Following the tragic deaths of the three members of HAGL, the Việt Nam Football Federation (VFF) and numerous coaches and players have expressed their heartfelt condolences to the club.

Trần Quốc Tuấn, Chairman of the VFF, extended his sympathies to the families of the deceased and the HAGL Club through a letter of condolences.

He said: "The VFF is deeply saddened by this distressing news. On behalf of the VFF Executive Committee, I would like to convey my deepest condolences to the families of the departed members and the HAGL Club. This is an enormous loss for Vietnamese football and HAGL Club.

“The VFF appeals to all Vietnamese coaches, footballers, and teams participating in the V.League 1 2023 to unite with the victims' families, offering support and solidarity during this challenging time. We will always cherish the memories and positive impact of coach Trí, and player Paollo, while continuing to foster the growth of HAGL."

Former national coach Park Hang-seo also expressed his condolences to HAGL in the wake of this tragic accident.

"I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident that has led to the passing of the player, coach, and doctor of HAGL Club. My heartfelt condolences go out to their families and friends. I hope that everyone gets over this loss soon."

Numerous coaches and players participating in the V.League 1 have also expressed their condolences to the families of the victims and HAGL Club.

Defender Đoàn Văn Hậu shared his heartfelt message, adding: "I would like to express my deepest condolences to the entire coaching staff and players of HAGL, as well as the families of the members who tragically lost their lives. May Coach Ninh, Doctor Trí, and Paollo rest in peace!"

On Sunday, the leaders of the Việt Nam Professional Football Joint Stock Company also traveled to Pleiku to visit and offer their condolences to HAGL, as well as the families of the victims. VNS