Photo courtesy of VnExpress International / Thanh Huong

Seven people were killed and five others injured after a 24-bed sleeper bus crashed into roadside embankments and burst into flames on National Highway 1 in Dong Nai, southern Vietnam, early on Monday morning.

Local authorities said the bus was travelling through Hung Thinh Commune, more than 30 kilometres from Bien Hoa City, at about 2.30am when it veered off course and struck an embankment on the right-hand side of the road.

The vehicle continued moving after the first impact before hitting a second embankment and coming to a stop. Fire then broke out underneath the bus and quickly spread through the passenger cabin.

The driver, 41-year-old Tran Thanh Hai, shouted for passengers to evacuate. However, authorities said the flames spread too quickly for everyone to escape from the wreckage.

Fire crews find seven victims inside bus

Dong Nai's Fire Prevention, Firefighting and Rescue Police sent emergency personnel and two specialised fire engines to the scene. Firefighters brought the blaze under control after approximately 30 minutes.

When emergency teams inspected the burnt-out vehicle, they found the bodies of seven passengers inside. Five injured people were taken to Thong Nhat General Hospital for emergency treatment.

One passenger who suffered only minor injuries was later discharged from hospital. The source report did not provide the identities or nationalities of those killed or injured.

Authorities examine cause of fatal crash

The immediate sequence of events is known, but authorities had not announced why the bus left the road or what caused the fire to start beneath the vehicle. Further findings will be important in establishing whether mechanical failure, road conditions or another factor played a part.

The incident occurred on National Highway 1, Vietnam's principal north-south road and a major route for inter-provincial coach services. The destroyed bus was photographed at the scene after the fire had been extinguished.

What it means for foreigners in Vietnam

Sleeper buses are frequently considered by foreign residents and visitors planning longer journeys between Vietnamese cities. The report does not indicate that any foreign travellers were among the casualties, and no wider travel warning was issued in connection with this crash.

Passengers using overnight coaches should keep travel documents, a charged phone and essential medication within easy reach rather than in inaccessible luggage. They should also note the location of emergency exits after boarding and follow instructions from the driver or emergency services if an incident occurs.

22 July 2026

On 7/22/2026 at 9:43 AM, CharlieH said:

a 24-bed sleeper bus crashed into roadside embankments

IMO the most uncomfortable means of public transport I have ever experienced!!

I was booked onto a tour bus for a daytime journey from Hanoi to Sapa. This suffered a breakdown and was replaced by a nightime sleeper bus. Iwill let you imagine what it was like lying on my back for 6 hours in daylight and not being able to get up for some exercise and refreshment! NEVER AGAIN! The travel company booked me a train seat for the return journey.

Sounds like it might have been a 25 sleeper bus.

54 minutes ago, Burma Bill said:

IMO the most uncomfortable means of public transport I have ever experienced!!

I was booked onto a tour bus for a daytime journey from Hanoi to Sapa. This suffered a breakdown and was replaced by a nightime sleeper bus. Iwill let you imagine what it was like lying on my back for 6 hours in daylight and not being able to get up for some exercise and refreshment! NEVER AGAIN! The travel company booked me a train seat for the return journey.

I got the sleeper bus before I thought it was great for night time travel, the alternative is the torturous seat bus