Singer Cao Thai Son’s car hit by train in Da Lat

Around 4:30 p.m., Son’s Audi was traveling on Nam Ho Street towards Ho Xuan Huong Street in central Da Lat. When it reached the railway crossing near Trai Mat station, the driver failed to notice the warning sings as the car drove through the station area.

The car then struck a passing tourist train.

At least two people, Son’s mother and sister, were sent to the hospital after the accident. The car was damaged, the train’s barrier was broken and its left headlight was shattered.

Nguyen Vo Minh Chanh, the station manager of Da Lat, stated that the railway section from the city center to Trai Mat is used for scenic tours, so the speed limit is below 15 kph. At the time of the accident, the train was carrying over 100 passengers returning to Da Lat after their sightseeing trip. After the incident, the station arranged vehicles to take passengers back to Da Lat Station.

Damaged car after collision with train in Da Lat, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Cao Thai Son

Son said the accident occurred while his family was on vacation. He and his sister were seated in the back, while his mother was in the front passenger seat.

“I often sleep during long rides because of my busy schedule. I woke up when I heard the crash because I was wearing my seatbelt, so I didn’t get thrown from my seat,” the singer said. “This is a valuable lesson for me to be more cautious on the road.”

Cao Thai Son, 38, has accumulated a large fanbase in Vietnam.

The Da Lat – Trai Mat route is part of the Thap Cham – Da Lat railway, one of the world’s first mountain cog railways. Its construction started in 1908 and completed in 1932. Recent proposals are on the tabled to renovate and repair the Da Lat – Trai Mat route due to serious deterioration.