Russian tourist dies in Vietnam expressway crash

Photo: VnExpress/Nguyen Tu

A Russian woman has died and another Russian passenger was injured after a coach carrying 18 foreign tourists collided with a stopped truck on the Phan Thiet-Dau Giay Expressway early on Saturday.

Crash on the Nha Trang to HCMC route

The coach was travelling from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City when it struck the rear of a truck in Lam Dong Province at about 2.15am. The crash badly damaged the front of the passenger bus and the rear of the truck.

Police identified the woman who died as 38-year-old Russian national Gaptrakhimova Albina. Another Russian passenger, 43, suffered a broken leg and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The bus driver, Doan Minh Quang, 42, later told authorities he had felt drowsy while driving. Initial findings say he failed to pay sufficient attention to the road.

Truck had stopped in the emergency lane

Investigators said the truck had developed mechanical problems shortly before the collision. Its 39-year-old driver, Bui Thanh Trung, had pulled into the emergency lane and got out to place warning devices.

Journey-monitoring data indicated the truck had been stationary for about one minute before impact. Rapid tests found neither driver had alcohol or drugs in their system. Police are continuing their investigation into the precise cause.

The Dau Giay-Phan Thiet Expressway forms part of the main road link between Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang, a route widely used by visitors travelling between the southern metropolis and the coastal resort city.

What it means for foreigners in Vietnam

Foreign visitors using long-distance coaches should choose established operators and use seat belts whenever provided. Overnight road travel can involve higher fatigue risks, particularly on long intercity routes.

Travellers affected by a road incident should contact their insurer and embassy or consulate as soon as practical, retain medical and transport records, and seek help from their accommodation or tour provider. The investigation is ongoing, so the final cause has not been determined.

15 August 2026