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.

HCM CITY — A truck driver is facing legal action following the tragic death of a 14-year-old girl in Vĩnh Long Province last September, as police reopen the case after public outcry.

Initial findings from police investigation have revealed that the driver, Nguyễn Văn Bảo Trung, violated traffic regulations during the accident.

The Supreme People’s Procuracy has determined that Trung acted irresponsibly by overtaking another vehicle without checking the road ahead, violating traffic laws and potentially facing criminal charges. 

Prosecutors stated, “Trung’s reckless maneuver forced drivers of two electric bicycles to brake suddenly, causing the young girl to fall into the truck's path, resulting in her death.”

Initially, local police decided not to file charges against the driver, citing a lack of evidence, despite multiple complaints from the victim's father, Nguyễn Vĩnh Phúc, 42.

Phúc disagreed with the decision and urged authorities to reconsider and seek justice for his daughter. 

His voice was almost ignored by local authorities, prompting a desperate act on April 28, when he shot the driver before taking his own life. The driver is currently recovering in the hospital.

In response to the public outcry, prosecutors criticised the earlier dismissals of the father’s complaints, demanding a thorough investigation into the accident. 

The Ministry of Public Security had instructed Vĩnh Long’s Chief Prosecutor to revoke the previous decision not to file charges against the driver made by the local police.

A poignant letter from the father to his daughter, written before his passing, has recently gone viral on social media.

He wrote: “My dearest daughter, each day I look at your photo and whisper your name through 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.”

Meanwhile, Vĩnh Long Police urge the public to refrain from sharing unverified information on social media and to respect the ongoing investigation amid public criticism of their handling of the case. — VNS