Over 20 hit-and-run cases in Vientiane so far this year and many people have been injured or killed as a result, according to the Vientiane Traffic Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security.Vientiane Police Office Deputy Chief and Director of the Vientiane Traffic Police Department, Lieutenant Colonel Youttaphong Souvannasing, told Vientiane Times yesterday that there have been 23 reported hit-and- run cases in Vientiane so far this year and police have made nine arrests.
Police said most hit-and-run accidents take place in rural areas at night when it is dark and the drivers responsible can escape unseen.
The main causes of such incidents are high speed driving and intoxication.
When hit-and-run accidents occur, the police launch an investigation and examine CCTV footage if it exists.
If they are able to apprehend the driver who fled the scene, the police will make every attempt to bring justice to bear.
The most serious incident of hit-and-run occurred on Tuesday evening when a Kia car hit a motorbike along the 450 Road in Xokyai village, Xaysettha district, Vientiane.
The impact killed the rider of the motorbike instantly. She was identified as Ms Onchane, 29, of Chommany village, Xaysettha district, Vientiane.
The car diver continued driving but members of the public followed and alerted police who were later able to arrest the driver of the vehicle. He was identified as Mr. Bai, 56, of Phonsavath village, Sikhottabong district, Vientiane.
Meanwhile, Vientiane police are also seeking to arrest the driver of a Kia car who ran away on foot after hitting three motorbikes in Nathom village, Xaythany district, Vientiane back in June.
After losing control of his car and colliding with three motorbikes along a roadside, the driver escaped from his badly damaged vehicle and ran off on foot.
During the accident, five victims sustained injures and one of them, Ms Touk, 20, of Oudomphon village, Xaythany district, lost a leg. However, all victims are now recovered.
More than one month later, the driver of the vehicle has not taken responsibility by coming forward.
Police said they were able to trace the Kia vehicle bearing the number plate ກຍ 9877 to Mr. Ton Sisomboun, of Dondou village, Hadxaifong district, Vientiane.
Police are now only waiting for the arrest warrant from the Ministry of Public Security and Mr. Ton is expected to be arrested soon.
According to Article 87 of the Criminal Law, anyone who is involved in a traffic accident and flees the scene is subject to a prison sentence of six months to two years and a fine ranging from 200,000 kip to 1 million kip.
Source: Vientiane Times
