A tractor-trailer carrying cement on a national highway in southern Vietnam lost a wheel, which rolled across the road and crashed into a roadside shop, seriously injuring a woman. The incident occurred on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, when a vehicle transporting construction materials experienced a mechanical failure that led to a tragic accident.
At around noon, Nguyen Van Ro, 34, was driving the tractor-trailer along National Highway 53 when the vehicle reached a section running through Long Ho Commune, Vinh Long Province. It was at this point that the front left wheel on the trailer axle suddenly broke off. The detached wheel rolled into the opposite lane and struck two motorcycles parked along the roadside, causing damage to both vehicles.
The wheel continued rolling before crashing into a shop that sells pork and flowers. A 44-year-old woman, who was standing inside the shop at the time, was hit by the wheel. She suffered multiple traumatic injuries and lost consciousness at the scene. Local residents quickly rushed her to Vinh Long General Hospital for emergency treatment. Later, she was transferred to Can Tho Central General Hospital in Can Tho City for further medical care.
A tractor-trailer wheel that broke off and hit a woman in a roadside shop in Vinh Long Province on Dec. 31, 2025. Photo by Hung Loi
According to a hospital representative, the patient suffered from a pneumothorax, lung contusions, and multiple fractures. She underwent emergency surgery and received a blood transfusion. While she has passed the critical stage, her condition remains serious, and she is currently under intensive monitoring and treatment.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident to determine whether it was due to mechanical failure, maintenance issues, or other factors. The accident has raised concerns about road safety and the need for regular vehicle inspections, especially for large commercial vehicles that transport heavy cargo.
Details of the Incident
- Time and Location: The accident occurred at around noon on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, along National Highway 53 in Long Ho Commune, Vinh Long Province.
- Vehicle Involved: A tractor-trailer carrying cement.
- Sequence of Events:
- The front left wheel on the trailer axle broke off.
- The wheel rolled into the opposite lane and struck two motorcycles.
- It then crashed into a roadside shop selling pork and flowers.
- Victim: A 44-year-old woman who was inside the shop at the time of impact.
Medical Condition of the Victim
- Injuries Sustained:
- Pneumothorax
- Lung contusions
- Multiple fractures
- Medical Treatment:
- Emergency surgery
- Blood transfusion
- Current Status:
- Passed the critical stage
- Under intensive monitoring and treatment
Ongoing Investigation
The authorities are working to determine the root cause of the incident. This includes examining the tractor-trailer’s maintenance records, checking for any signs of wear or damage that could have contributed to the wheel breaking off, and reviewing the driver’s actions at the time of the accident.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and adherence to safety protocols, particularly for large vehicles that travel on busy highways. As the investigation continues, further details may emerge that could help prevent similar accidents in the future.