LAI CHÂU — Police from the northern province of Lai Châu on Monday decided to start legal proceeding after an accident between a concrete mixer and a coach on National High No 4D through Tam Đường District which left 13 dead on Saturday.

Both vehicles careened off a bridge, falling 10m into a stream.

The case was prosecuted on charges of violating road traffic regulations.

Although both drivers died in the accident, the prosecution was launched to clarify the responsibility of involved individuals and organisations, according to Colonel Bùi Xuân Phong, deputy director of Lai Châu Police Department.

"Currently, the investigation police agency have inspected eight tyres from the concrete mixer, while the engine and black box from the vehicle are being examined,” he said.

Initial enquiries showed that the truck was not being operated in accordance with technical regulations, affecting the braking system, he said, adding that the provincial police are instructing all units to urgently investigate the cause of the accident.

In related news, the Agriculture Bank Insurance Joint Stock Company’s Phú Thọ Branch has cooperated with Hoành Sơn Co Ltd – the company managing the truck, to provide VNĐ120 million (US$5,150) for the families of those killed in the accident. Initially, each victim’s family will receive VNĐ10 million from the insurance payout. The Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs of Tam Đường District have received the payment which will be distributed to the families.

The branch has determined the level of liability in this accident is over VNĐ2 billion ($86,000). — VNS