Accidents on the Hai Van Pass

Driving on the Hai Van Pass is never the same, no matter how often you do it.

There's always something new, whether it's the view, always different weather, a double rainbow, a fire or accidents.

Despite the tunnel being built, some trucks aren't allowed through the tunnel or just don't fit through so they take the long road up and down the Hai Van Pass.

Most of the time they just spill some oil on the road but at times, they spill their cargo, too.
This time there were two almost identical accidents on two of he hairpin corners on either side of the pass.

Fire on the Hai Van Pass

I've done the journey between Da Nang and Hue over the Hai Van pass many times now. While the views are still great, it becomes a bit of a routine so I don't pay much attention to the views at times.

Having a big cloud of smoke over the pass did however get my attention, although at first I thought it's just the usual fire to burn fields or the jungle and make room for rice fields.

Seeing smoke or burning fields or forests in Vietnam or around Asia is nothing unusual and a common sight. When it's as big as this and you see fire engines rushing up the mountain you know something is going on.

There was a big fire running both up and down the mountain, burning trees, shrubs and whatever else was part of the jungle covered slopes.

The firefighters and military were busy fighting the fires but as usual around here nobody really minds what you're doing as long as you are not in their way.
This meant I could walk around and take photos without problems or anyone saying anything.

While the road was closed, this doesn't mean much if you're on a motorbike. As soon as they moved the fire engines I went on my bike and rove past everyone to continue my journey.

Day 228 - People

Today, I got the chance to meet Daniel and go with him to one of the slums in Yangon to see the work he is doing there.

But before I continue let me first say thanks to Daniel, for his help and support of the people you see in this post (and more), and the friends at My Place, who made this possible by introducing me to Daniel.