A collision between an emergency medical service vehicle and a car on National Road No.1 passing through the southern province of Tiền Giang on February 13. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — A total of 109 people were killed and 123 injured in traffic accidents across the country during seven days (February 10-16) of the Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday, the Ministry of Public Security’s Traffic Police Department has announced.

This is a reduction of 8 per cent in fatalities, 18 per cent in injuries and 29.3 per cent in accidents compared to the previous year, respectively, it said.

There were two serious traffic accidents in the Central Highland province of Gia Lai and central Bình Định Province, killing seven people and leaving three others seriously injured.

According to the department, most of the accidents occurred between 12am and 4pm and from 6pm to 10pm when people travel for the gatherings during the holiday.

The department also said that the national traffic police force found more than 16,750 traffic violations, seized 101 cars and 4,642 motorcycles, and revoked the driving licences of 1,930 people.

In the first four days of the holiday, the number of vehicles travelling on roads in big cities increased, but few traffic jams were reported.

In Hà Nội, Ring Road 3, the National Highway No1, No32 and the expressways connecting Hà Nội, Hải Phòng, Quảng Ninh, Lạng Sơn, Thái Nguyên, Lào Cai, were crowded with vehicles moving slowly but no serious congestion. The traffic situation in the inner city was stable.

In HCM City, commuters travelling by buses increased but more people were stopped for driving while under the influence of alcohol. 

Dr Phạm Vũ Hùng from Việt Nam-Germany Friendship Hospital’s Emergency Department said between February 9 and 15, 49 people were treated in hospital as a result of drink-related traffic accidents. Last year’s number was 39.

Hùng said only on Tuesday, five cases patients were transferred from local hospitals because of their severe symptoms. 

“Brain injury victims of traffic accidents are difficult to treat, and even more difficult when patients consumed alcohol and infatuated as it would be unable to determine the extent of damage," he said.

Figures from the Ministry of Health showed that hospitals across Việt Nam received 4,001 emergency cases during the first six days of Tết. Of that, 1,855 cases were serious and six deaths were reported.

Hospitals and health clinics also announced more than 16,500 newborns babies over the holiday period. — VNS