5-year-old boy dies after crash involving homemade electric vehicle in Da Nang

The boy, who lived on a small alley off Au Co Street in Lien Chieu Ward, was riding the vehicle with his older sister when the crash occurred about 50 meters from his home.

His parents were not at home at the time.

Police in Lien Chieu Ward are investigating the cause of the crash.

The accident has renewed concerns over the safety of electric toy vehicles and homemade or modified electric vehicles being used by children in public spaces and on roads.

In June and July, the Da Nang People's Committee and Department of Construction issued directives to local authorities and relevant agencies to tighten management of children's electric toy vehicles operating at parks, plazas, and other public spaces.

The city ordered authorities to strengthen oversight, with commune-level People's Committee chairpersons held responsible for violations involving urban order and sidewalks.

Tuoi Tre (Youth) online newspaper has previously reported that children in several parks and recreational areas in Da Nang were allowed to operate electric vehicles.

Some vehicles can reach speeds of 30-40 kph, while play areas are not clearly separated from traffic.

In some cases, children have driven electric vehicles at high speeds and onto the roadway.

Following the reports, several local authorities tightened controls on businesses renting electric vehicles for children to drive in public areas, including parks, plazas and sidewalks.