Vinh Long Fatal Accident: Driver's Mental Evaluation Prolongs Case, Trial Resumes

The legal proceedings for a fatal traffic accident in Vietnam's Vinh Long province, which occurred in September 2024 and resulted in the death of a high school student, are set to resume after a prolonged period of mental evaluation for the defendant. Nguyen Van Bao Trung, 34, is charged with violating regulations on road traffic participation. The investigation gained momentum approximately eight months after the accident, following a shocking incident on April 28, 2025, where Nguyen Vinh Phuc, 42, the father of the deceased student, attacked Trung at his home, shooting him before taking his own life. Trung survived but sustained severe injuries, initially diagnosed with 90% bodily damage, moderate dementia, and loss of decision-making ability. However, subsequent mental evaluations revealed a change in his condition. A July 2025 evaluation concluded that while Trung still suffers from post-traumatic dementia, he has regained his decision-making capacity and is capable of participating in legal proceedings. Based on this assessment, the Regional Prosecutor's Office No. 4 of Vinh Long Province has filed an indictment against Trung for violating road traffic regulations. Following the accident on September 4, 2024, Trung's mental state directly impacted the investigation, leading to a temporary suspension. Due to his perceived inability to make decisions, he was deemed to require mandatory treatment, and the investigation was halted on November 8, 2025. The victim's family had strongly urged for a re-evaluation of the defendant's health. The latest evaluation clarifies that Trung did not have a mental illness at the time of the accident and possessed full decision-making capacity. The mental illness developed after the shooting incident in April 2025, temporarily rendering him unable to participate in legal proceedings. After treatment, although post-traumatic dementia persists, his decision-making ability is considered restored, paving the way for the resumption of the investigation and prosecution. Trung has no aggravating circumstances and is reportedly benefiting from mitigating factors due to his confession. Trung's family has paid VND 150 million (approximately $6,000 USD) for compensation, a sum the victim's family has not accepted. Trung is currently prohibited from leaving his place of residence while awaiting trial at the Regional Court No. 4 of Vinh Long Province. Source: VnExpress