A screenshot of the scene of the traffic accident that resulted in the tragic death of a 14-year-old girl in Vĩnh Long Province last September. — Photo Bồ Xuân Hiệp

HCM CITY — Police have reopened the investigation into the death of a 14-year-old girl in Vĩnh Long last September, following her father’s desperate actions, with new evidence suggesting the driver may have violated traffic regulations.

On Friday, the Ministry of Public Security announced that the Investigation Police Agency (C01) is reviewing the case related to the tragic accident on September 4, 2024, in Trà Ôn District, which resulted in the young student’s death.

"New evidence suggests the driver might not have followed traffic laws," a C01 spokesperson stated.

In response, C01 has requested the Chief Prosecutor of the Supreme People's Procuracy to revoke the prior decision not to prosecute, emphasisng the need for a thorough investigation and accountability for all parties involved.

The preliminary investigation last year suggested shared responsibility, citing the girl’s lack of awareness and Trung’s unsafe overtaking maneuver as contributing factors.

However, following a provincial consultation, primary fault was ultimately attributed to the deceased girl, leading to the district police’s decision not to pursue prosecution.

The girl’s father, Nguyễn Vĩnh Phúc, 42, disagreed with the decision and demanded authorities pursue prosecution against the driver involved.

After his complaints were ignored by provincial authorities, Phúc tragically shot the driver on April 28 before taking his own life. The driver remains hospitalised.

In a letter shared on social media prior to his death, Phúc expressed his unwavering commitment to seeking justice for his daughter.

"My dearest daughter, each day, I look at your photo and whisper your name through my tears. I promise to keep searching for the truth for you. I believe that justice will prevail, and one day, you will receive the fairness you deserve," he wrote in Vietnamese.

Meanwhile, Vĩnh Long Police have urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information regarding the scandal, following a wave of social media criticism over the provincial police’s handling of the case.

Việt Nam News and Law attempted to contact the district police for comment via telephone but received no response. — VNS