A Russian man has been placed in criminal custody after his motorbike struck and killed a 70-year-old woman crossing a road in Nha Trang beach town in the early hours of May 4.
Konstantin Smoliakov, 35, was placed in criminal detention by police in Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province, on suspicion of “violating road traffic regulations causing serious consequences,” police said on May 5.
Smoliakov had been drinking with friends and was riding his motorbike alone back to his accommodation when the crash occurred, according to police. As he traveled along Tran Phu Street near April 2 Square, a stretch of Nha Trang’s main coastal boulevard, lined with beachfront hotels and Russian-language menus, he lost control of his speed and steering.
The motorbike struck the woman as she walked across the road. She suffered serious injuries and died on the way to hospital. The victim was also a resident of Nha Trang Ward. Smoliakov sustained only minor abrasions.
Police testing returned a blood alcohol concentration of 268.8 mg per 100 ml, more than three times the 80 mg per 100 ml threshold that triggers Vietnam’s heaviest drink-driving sanctions, with administrative fines and a license suspension of up to 24 months.
A Russian man’s motorbike strikes a woman as she crosses the road in Nha Trang, May 4, 2026. Photo courtesy of Khanh Hoa Police |
Vietnam’s 2024 road traffic safety law forbids driving with any detectable blood alcohol concentration, regardless of how small. Foreign nationals are subject to the same enforcement standards as Vietnamese citizens.
When intoxication contributes to a fatal crash, drivers face criminal prosecution. Drink-driving that results in death carries a prison sentence of 3 to 10 years, alongside a possible ban on holding certain positions or practicing certain professions for 1 to 5 years.
Nha Trang has long been the primary Vietnamese destination for Russian visitors, and Tran Phu Street is the heart of its foreigner-facing tourist district.
Nha Trang Ward Police said they are continuing to compile the case file against Smoliakov and coordinating with specialized investigation units to handle the matter under the law.
Comments are closed.