Authorities in Thanh Khe ward have issued a temporary detention order and an emergency arrest warrant for Pham Thi Hong Phuc, born in 1989, as part of an investigation into public disorder.

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Pham Thi Hong Phuc at the investigating agency. Photo: CACC

On the evening of April 6, at the Thanh Khe railway crossing, two staff members - Truong Thi Diep Th. (born 1989) and Nguyen Thi Mong T. (born 1982) - were performing their duties by lowering the barrier for an approaching train when Phuc attempted to force her way through.

After being stopped, she reportedly refused to comply, engaged in a heated argument, and, together with her daughter, used helmets to assault the two workers, causing injuries that required hospital treatment.

The incident sparked widespread public outrage, with many calling for strict penalties to deter similar behavior.

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Those who assaulted a railway crossing guard have been sentenced to prison.

A similar case in Da Nang in 2023 also resulted in criminal convictions. Three individuals - Duong Quang Tuan (born 1984), Luong Huynh Minh Tri (born 1991), and Huynh Quang Huy (born 2001) - were sentenced to prison after assaulting railway crossing staff.

On the evening of February 19, 2023, after drinking, the group approached a railway crossing on Ha Huy Tap Street while the barrier was down for an oncoming train.

Following a warning from staff member Vo Thi Thuy Trinh, Tuan reacted aggressively, verbally abusing her and demanding the barrier be opened. He then entered the restricted area and repeatedly struck her.

He also chased and threatened another staff member, Dang Thi Minh Nguyet. Shortly after, Tri and Huy joined in, attacking Nguyen Van Chuyen, Nguyet’s husband, using hands, feet, and bricks.

At a trial on March 18, 2023, the court sentenced Tuan to four years in prison, Tri to two years, and Huy to two years and three months, all for disturbing public order.

Under Vietnamese law, road vehicles must give priority to trains at railway crossings. Ignoring signals or attempting to bypass barriers not only violates the law but also poses a direct threat to human life.

Authorities have emphasized that strict enforcement, including arrests and prosecution, is necessary to maintain public safety and deter repeat offenses.

On April 4, traffic police nationwide launched a coordinated campaign to strengthen inspections at railway crossings.

A total of 77 task forces, comprising 228 officers, were deployed, including 36 undercover personnel equipped with recording devices for enforcement purposes.

The operation identified 110 violations, including 13 cars, 89 motorcycles, and 8 bicycles, with total fines amounting to VND98,850,000 (US$4,000).

Localities with the highest number of violations included Hanoi with 23 cases, Ho Chi Minh City with 13, and Da Nang and Bac Ninh with 10 each.

Common violations included crossing when warning lights were active, bypassing barriers as they were being lowered, and stopping within railway safety zones.

Traffic authorities warned that even a moment of impatience can have life-threatening consequences. In the coming period, enforcement efforts will continue, with violations publicly disclosed to strengthen deterrence.

Ho Giap