VIENTIANE, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- A total of 17 people were killed in road accidents across Laos during the five days of the New Year celebration.
A total of 170 accidents were recorded across the country during the five days from Dec. 29, 2024, to Jan. 2, 2025, according to a report from the Lao Ministry of Public Security on Monday.
Meanwhile, 279 people were injured, and 314 vehicles were damaged during the cited period.
Champasak province reported the highest number of crashes, with 23 accidents that resulted in the deaths of two people, followed by Lao capital Vientiane, with 20 accidents and one death.
Most accidents were caused by drunken driving, overspeeding, not giving way, sudden change of direction, poor mechanical condition of vehicles, driving in the wrong lane, and other forms of reckless driving.
Throughout the New Year festivities, Laos' Ministry of Public Security has issued instructions aimed at reducing the number of accidents during this period. ■
