In Vietnam, railway safety risks demand more attention

On February 11 in Lam Dong Province, a freight train traveling between Binh Thuan and Phan Thiet stations struck a motorbike crossing the tracks, killing the rider.

Two weeks later, on February 25, a collision between train SE3 and a truck in Hanoi’s Ngoc Hoi Commune left the truck driver dead and another person seriously injured. Authorities confirmed that warning lights, bells, and automatic barriers were active, but the truck driver attempted to cross and became stuck on the tracks.

On March 6 in Quang Ngai Province, a tractor-trailer driver ignored fully lowered barriers and warning signals, crashing into train SE8, authorities said.

Just two days later, on March 8, another motorcyclist died after colliding with a train in Hoang Liet Ward, Hanoi.

Officials said these accidents highlight a dangerous habit among some drivers who disregard railway signals.

Unlike cars, trains cannot stop suddenly, meaning reckless decisions at crossings often result in fatalities.

Vietnam’s railway system still has nearly 1,000 accident-prone crossings.

In 2025, traffic police handled 2,807 violations related to railway safety.

Nationwide, 107 railway accidents occurred last year, killing 76 people and injuring 24. Although the number of accidents and deaths fell by nearly 11 percent and over eight percent compared to 2024, respectively, the severity of incidents remains high.

Authorities warned that ignoring red lights, alarms, or barriers at crossings is a direct cause of these tragedies.

They urged drivers to respect signals, avoid rushing across tracks, and prioritize safety over convenience.