Vietnamese drunk car driver hits multiple vehicles, kills pedestrian

Ha Viet Hung was driving in Thu Dau Mot City at around 10 p.m. when his five-seat car collided with a motorcycle, after which he sped away.

As he continued toward Dinh Hoa Ward, he struck Ngo Thi Thu Ha, a 52-year-old woman standing on the road, dragging her for hundreds of meters, resulting in her death.

Onlookers shouted and pursued the car for over 3 kilometers.

Members of a civil defense force put Ha Viet Hung (sitting) under control, Nov. 15, 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Thai Ha

The driver was finally stopped near an apartment building in Dinh Hoa Ward, after he collided with another car and some motorbikes. The car's front bumper was broken, its windshield cracked, and three motorbikes lay scattered amid plastic debris and crash helmets.

Witnesses reported that Hung appeared intoxicated, walking unsteadily after exiting his car.

A blood test revealed an alcohol level of 0.987 mg/l, far above the threshold of 0.4 mg/l that carries maximum penalty. He was unable to produce a driver's license when apprehended.

Police have detained Hung for investigation.

Vietnam imposes an absolute ban on drunk driving.

a blood alcohol level of 50-80 mg/100 ml or 0.25-0.4 mg/l of breath

The maximum penalties, for alcohol levels exceeding 80 mg/100 ml of blood level or 0.4 mg/l of breath are VND8 million (US$315) for motorbike drivers and VND40 million ($1,575) for car drivers. Violations that result in casualties will face criminal punishment.