Truck Driver Charged After Fatal Collision with Woman
A truck driver has been charged after reversing his vehicle into a woman, resulting in her death. The
The trial of Nguyen Van Bao Trung, 34, began on August 28, 2024, following a tragic incident that resulted in the death of a 14-year-old student, Nguyen Ngoc Bao Tran, in Vinh Long. Trung is charged with violating traffic regulations, specifically under Article 260 of the Penal Code.
On the morning of September 4, 2024, Trung was driving a truck on Provincial Road 901 when he encroached into the oncoming lane while overtaking a stationary vehicle. This led to a collision involving three students riding electric bicycles. Bao Tran fell onto the road and was subsequently run over by Trung's truck, resulting in her death.
Initially, local police did not pursue charges, but after the victim's family filed a complaint, the case was reopened. The situation escalated when Bao Tran's father, Nguyen Vinh Phuc, shot Trung in April 2025 before taking his own life. Trung survived but suffered significant injuries, including partial paralysis and severe cognitive impairment, which delayed the legal proceedings.
During the trial, Trung was brought to court but displayed signs of confusion, stating he did not know his name or where he lived. The court proceedings were heavily secured, with multiple police officers present. However, the victim's family and witnesses were notably absent, prompting the court to consider postponing the trial to ensure fair representation for both the defendant and the victim's family.
Trung's defense argued for a delay, citing his unstable mental state and the need for proper legal representation. After a brief recess, the court agreed to postpone the trial. Trung's family indicated that he continues to receive treatment at home, struggling with memory issues and recognizing family members.
As the legal process unfolds, the case has drawn significant attention, highlighting issues surrounding traffic safety and the complexities of mental health in legal contexts. The investigation into the initial handling of the case has also led to charges against six former police officers for failing to prosecute the responsible party.
