3 killed, including Laotian, 7 injured after truck crashes into central Vietnam market

Local officials said the crash happened at around 7:50 am while the truck was traveling from Khe Sanh Commune toward Lao Bao Commune. 

The vehicle suddenly veered off course and collided with the market gate.

Tran Binh Thuan, secretary of the Party Committee of Lao Bao Commune, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that he and the commune chairman were present to help coordinate rescue efforts.

Witnesses said locals rushed to the scene and helped transport victims to nearby hospitals.

Preliminary reports said three people died on site, including a woman who was eight months pregnant and a foreign national from Laos.

Seven others were injured, with varying levels of severity.

The crash also caused serious property damage, with several stalls inside the market destroyed.

Tran Huu Son, head of the commune's police unit, said the driver is being questioned to determine the cause of the accident.

Nguyen Viet Duc, director of Huong Hoa General Hospital, confirmed that seven patients had been admitted with injuries such as broken limbs, chest trauma, and head wounds.

"Three serious cases, including one Laotian national, have been transferred to Quang Tri General Hospital for further treatment," Duc said.

Tan Long Market sits beside National Highway No. 9 and serves as a daily trading hub for hundreds of residents from the Lia area who sell bananas.

Because of limited space, many vendors set up along the roadside, raising the risk for both traders and passing vehicles.