LONG AN — The Investigative Police Agency of southern Long An Province has decided to start criminal proceedings against a truck driver following Wednesday’s deadly crash in the province’s Bến Lức District.

The driver, Phạm Thành Hiếu, will be prosecuted on charges of violating traffic regulations. He will be put into temporary detention pending further investigation.

According to a report by the province’s traffic safety board, Hiếu’s truck hit 21 motorbikes waiting at a red light at Nhựt Chánh junction in Bến Lức District on Wednesday, killing three people on the spot and injuring 18 others. One more person died en route to the hospital.

Witnesses said the truck kept driving after hitting the first few motorbikes and dragged some for about 150m before stopping.

Hiếu tested positive for heroin and alcohol, according to Long An General Hospital. The driver left the scene after the accident but then turned himself in the district police station in the evening of the same day and was taken to the hospital for testing.

Two examinations were taken three hours part, but both results showed the driver had heroin in his system. The tests also revealed the driver had high blood alcohol content.

Deputy Prime Minister Trương Hòa Bình, Chairman of the National Committee for Traffic Safety, directed the settlement of the deadly accident. He assigned Vice Chairman of the committee Khuất Việt Hùng to go to the accident site and work with the provincial People’s Committee to determine the consequences. He also called for support for the families of the victims.

On Thursday, Hùng and provincial authorities visited the injured victims who are being treated at Chợ Rẫy Hospital in HCM City.

Hùng said the National Committee for Traffic Safety and Deputy PM Bình asked localities to increase inspections and crack down on traffic violations, particularly drunken driving. They were told to regularly test drivers – especially truck drivers – for drugs to ensure traffic safety.  — VNS