Police in Nha Trang have detained a Russian national after a suspected drunk driving crash that killed an elderly woman in one of Vietnam’s busiest coastal tourism cities.
Authorities allege the man was heavily intoxicated when he lost control of his motorbike and struck the victim while she was crossing the street.
Smoliakov Konstantin, 35, was taken into criminal custody on May 5 for investigation into serious violations of Vietnam’s road traffic regulations resulting in death.
According to police, the accident happened on Tran Phu Street near April 2 Square in Nha Trang, a major beachfront area popular with both locals and international tourists.
Investigators said Konstantin had been drinking alcohol before riding his motorbike home on the morning of May 4.
While traveling along the coastal road, he allegedly failed to control his speed and steering before crashing into a woman believed to be around 70 years old as she crossed the street.
The victim suffered severe injuries and was rushed to hospital but later died. Konstantin reportedly sustained only minor scratches.
Police said blood alcohol testing showed Konstantin’s alcohol concentration reached 268.8 mg per 100 ml of blood, more than three times higher than the highest penalty threshold under Vietnam’s drunk driving regulations.
Authorities in Nha Trang Ward said they are continuing to collect evidence and coordinate with investigative units to handle the case under Vietnamese law.
The incident has reignited public concern over drunk driving in Vietnam, particularly in major tourist destinations where traffic accidents involving foreigners occasionally draw significant public attention.
Vietnam has some of Southeast Asia’s strictest alcohol-related traffic laws, with authorities maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for drivers operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol.