The coach overturn left three people dead at the scene, while another later succumbed to injuries in hospital. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The Prime Minister has ordered an urgent investigation into the cause of a deadly traffic accident on Hà Nội's Pháp Vân–Cầu Giẽ Expressway and called for measures to prevent similar incidents.

An official dispatch, issued following the particularly serious coach accident, which occurred at 00.20am in Chương Dương Commune on the Pháp Vân–Cầu Giẽ–Cao Bồ–Mai Sơn–National Highway 45–Nghi Sơn route, was sent to the ministers of Public Security and Construction, as well as the chairpersons of provincial and municipal People's Committees.

According to initial reports, the passenger coach, carrying 32 people, veered off the expressway, overturned and fell onto a parallel service road. The accident claimed four lives and left many others  injured.

The passengers were part of a tour group returning from Hà Tĩnh Province and all were residents of Phuú Bình Commune, Thái Nguyên Province.

The coach overturn left three people dead at the scene, while another later succumbed to injuries in hospital.

The 28 injured people were taken to hospital for emergency treatment.

Following the accident, police conducted alcohol and drug tests on the driver and found no violations.

The PM extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He also instructed Hà Nội authorities, police and emergency services to promptly deal with the consequences of the accident and provide support for the victims and their families.

Under the dispatch, signed by Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Phạm Gia Túc on the behalf of the Prime Minister, the Hà Nội People's Committee was directed to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured, organise assistance for affected families, and coordinate with Thái Nguyên authorities to inspect the transport operator's compliance with road transport regulations, including vehicle safety standards, driver working hours and operating conditions.

The Ministry of Public Security was tasked with conducting a comprehensive investigation into both the direct and underlying causes of the accident and strictly handling any organisations or individuals found to have violated transport safety regulations. Police were also instructed to strengthen inspections of passenger and freight transport vehicles, particularly through stricter monitoring of vehicle tracking systems and compliance with safety requirements.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Construction was ordered to review traffic organisation on expressways and national highways, improve warning systems at dangerous locations such as sharp bends and steep sections, and inspect the safety conditions of commercial passenger vehicles.

Provincial and municipal authorities were also instructed to intensify road safety awareness campaigns, review road infrastructure, and install additional traffic signs where necessary to improve safety and reduce traffic accidents. — VNA/VNS