Hotel Employee Prosecuted for Renting Motorcycle to Intoxicated Foreigner, Leading to Fatal Accident

In Vietnam's central Khanh Hoa province, a hotel employee has been prosecuted for negligence leading to death after renting a motorcycle to an intoxicated foreign national, who subsequently caused a fatal accident by striking a pedestrian. On July 30, Ms. Le Thi Hai Anh, 51, residing in Nha Trang city, was prosecuted by the Khanh Hoa Provincial Police and prohibited from leaving her place of residence, on suspicion of violating Article 264 of the Penal Code concerning "abetting a person not qualified to operate a vehicle in road traffic." The incident occurred on May 4, when Mr. Smoliakov Konstantin, a Russian national, while riding a motorcycle home after consuming alcohol, lost control of his speed and steering near Tran Phu Street, close to 2/4 Square in Nha Trang city. He collided with a woman, approximately 70 years old, who was crossing the road, resulting in her death. Blood alcohol tests for Mr. Smoliakov at the time of the incident revealed a concentration of 268.8 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, which is more than three times the highest legal limit for drunk driving offenses. The police subsequently prosecuted and detained Mr. Smoliakov for violations of regulations on road traffic participation. During the expanded investigation, police determined that at the time of the incident, Ms. Anh, working as a hotel receptionist, had rented the motorcycle to Mr. Smoliakov, despite knowing he lacked a driver's license and did not meet other legal requirements. Following this incident, the police urged service providers who rent motorcycles to foreigners to enhance their responsibility, ensuring that vehicles are only leased to individuals who meet the necessary qualifications. They also advised these businesses to proactively guide tourists in adhering to road traffic laws.