Parade Rehearsal Chaos: Teen Bikers Injure Police Officer

Photo courtesy of VN Express

In a shocking incident during a National Day parade rehearsal in Hanoi, two teenagers rammed their motorbike into a police officer, leaving him with severe injuries. The event occurred on Thursday evening, disrupting the preparations for Vietnam's significant upcoming celebrations.

The crash happened around 8:10 p.m. on Nghi Tam Street, Tay Ho District. Traffic had been sealed off for the first large-scale rehearsal of Vietnam’s 80th National Day festivities. The teenagers, Nguyen Ba Hoai Nam and Nguyen Van Quan, disregarded the traffic restrictions and sped through the area without helmets, defying police orders to stop.

Their reckless actions resulted in their motorbike colliding directly with Captain Le Dinh Cong of Hanoi's Mobile Police Division. Cong, who was stationed at a security checkpoint, was violently thrown about two metres onto the road. Dramatic video footage captured the moment, highlighting the severity of the impact.

Captain Cong was immediately transported to the 108 Central Military Hospital. He sustained multiple injuries, including a fractured skull, broken facial bones, and a broken arm. He suffered a traumatic brain injury but has since shown signs of recovery, regaining partial consciousness and the ability to speak softly. Despite these improvements, he remains under intensive monitoring.

Meanwhile, Nam and Quan were also injured in the crash. They were swiftly apprehended by officers at the scene and taken into custody. The Hanoi police have categorised their actions as “extremely reckless,” emphasising the potential danger posed to both officers and civilians. The teenagers are now facing serious charges, including murder.

This alarming event underscores the importance of the security measures in place for the upcoming festivities. The rehearsal was part of extensive preparations to ensure the safety of thousands of troops and civilians for the Sept. 2 parade. This event marks one of the country’s most significant political and ceremonial occasions in recent decades.

The incident has raised concerns about safety and the need for stringent law enforcement during such important national events. With the parade fast approaching, authorities are likely to enhance security measures and re-evaluate protocols to prevent similar occurrences.

In the broader context, this incident serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of reckless behaviour, especially in high-security situations. As Hanoi prepares for the National Day celebrations, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and success of one of Vietnam's key historical milestones.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-08-25