Driver arrested for multi-vehicle collision in HCM City

A 14.4-tonne truck on Phú Mỹ Bridge in District 7 on August 8 suffered brake failure, colliding with seven vehicles and causing three to ignite in flames. — Photo courtesy of the police.

HCM CITY — A 35-year-old truck driver has been arrested for his role in a multi-vehicle crash on a HCM City bridge last week that resulted in three injuries and significant property damage. 

Trịnh Tiến Dũng was arrested on Friday morning by the Thủ Đức city police regarding violations of regulations of road traffic. The accident occurred on August 8 on Phú Mỹ Bridge in District 7.

The driver’s 14.4-tonne truck experienced “brake failure,” leading to a collision with seven vehicles, three of which were engulfed in flames, according to investigations by the police.

Dũng exceeded his truck’s weight limit by over 50 per cent, according to a report by the municipal Transport Department.

The bridge’s technical conditions and traffic signals were deemed to have functioned properly, and the accident was attributed to driver error and vehicle safety issues. 

While three individuals were injured, there were no reported fatalities from the accident.

Several individuals, including a Korean national, helped rescue victims trapped in their vehicles and have been praised by city authorities. — VNS