VietNamNet Bridge – The public security ministry on Tuesday said 1,744 road accidents occurred nationwide, killing 788 persons and injuring 1,726, during the one month between February 16 and March 15.

A total of 2,345 people were killed and 4,824 injured in road accidents during the first three months of this year. — Photo dantri.com.vn

While the number of accidents fell by three, the number of deaths and of the injured people increased by 169 and five respectively, compared to the same period last year.

During the same month this year, 286 fire incidents were reported nationwide, which killed four persons and injured 18, and reportedly caused damage worth VND49.2 billion. Eight explosions have occurred, causing three deaths and injuring nine people, since February 16.

A total of 2,345 people were killed and 4,824 injured in road accidents during the first three months of this year, the ministry reported.

The directorate for roads of Viet Nam has asked the transport ministry to allow for criminal charges to be made against drivers who violate the law by driving vehicles overloaded with goods and who have blood alcohol in excess of the legal limit.

Nguyen Van Huyen, director of the transport ministry's general road department, said driving of overloaded vehicles and with excess blood alcohol were a danger to life for both the driver and other motorists, and to property.

VNS