VIENTIANE, April 19 (Xinhua) -- During five days of Lao New Year celebrations, 37 people died and another 532 people were injured in 303 road accidents across the country, the Traffic Police Department under the Lao Ministry of Public Security said.
Speeding was cited as the major cause of fatal crashes that occurred on April 13-17, accounting for 16 fatalities, followed by drink-driving with 13 fatalities.
Champassak province in southern Laos had the highest number of accidents at 45, while Vientiane province reported the most fatalities with a record nine deaths.
The provinces of Phongsaly, Oudomxay and Khammuan reported no deaths due to road accidents.
Over the three days of Lao New Year holiday last year, 29 people were killed and 385 people injured in 207 road mishaps nationwide, local daily Vientiane Times reported on Friday.
Deputy Director General of the Traffic Police Department, Lieutenant Colonel Keomala Sengthong, said, "Some 579 people were charged with traffic law violations such as speeding and having no driving license or other requisite document. About 387 people were informed of the regulations, 133 people had their driving licenses confiscated, and 100 people were fined."
