British teenager dies after Vietnam motorbike crash

A 19-year-old British woman has died after a motorcycle crash on a popular route in Vietnam, according to reports.

The incident occurred on the Ha Giang Loop in the country’s north and Orla Wates died in Ha Noi’s Viet Duc Friendship Hospital on April 2, according to Viet Nam News.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed its consular staff are supporting Ms Wates’ family.

Her parents, Andrew and Henrietta Wates, told Viet Nam News: “Orla was beautiful, independent and very funny, with a sharp wit.

“She loved to look good and lived life to the full.”

Her mother thanked the hospital’s Dr Trịnh Van Dong and its ICU team for caring for Ms Wates – and said her organs had been donated to save others, according to the outlet.

She said: “At this extremely difficult time for our family, we chose to donate Orla’s organs, as we believe that if there were a way to give opportunity to others, this is what Orla would have wanted.

“Knowing that she is living on through them brings us great comfort.”

In an emotional interview shared to the hospital’s social media page, her father said: “Vietnam was a country she loved and so to give back to Vietnam as well I think is very important for us.”

Her mother added: “She had the best time here, she had the best time here, she was loving every minute of it. So it is our way of thanking you.”

The Ha Giang Loop is a road trip of around 350km that winds through the Vietnamese mountains near the border with China.

It is popular among tourists, and inexperienced motorcyclists often ride pillion in a group with tour operators.

The loop typically takes around three to four days on a motorcycle.

An FCDO spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Orla Wates, following her tragic death in Vietnam.

“We are in touch with the local authorities, and our consular staff are doing all they can to support Orla’s family at this hugely difficult time.”