Bus Driver Arrested for Fatal Accident Causing 7 Deaths Due to Drowsiness

A tragic bus accident in Dong Nai province, southern Vietnam, has resulted in the deaths of seven people. Police arrested Tran Thanh Hai (41), the driver of the sleeper bus involved, on July 21st, initiating an investigation into violations of road traffic regulations. According to initial police findings, the accident occurred early on July 21st on National Highway 1A in Hung Thinh commune. Hai was reportedly driving a sleeper bus carrying 37 passengers and crew from Khanh Hoa to Ho Chi Minh City when he experienced severe drowsiness, leading to a loss of control. The bus repeatedly collided with guardrails on the right side of the road. A section of the guardrail penetrated the undercarriage of the vehicle, causing the engine to stall and the bus to rapidly burst into flames. The vehicle, a 24-seat sleeper bus manufactured in Vietnam in 2026, was operating under a contract transport permit valid until January 2033, having been issued in January 2026. Its initial registration and inspection were completed on January 28, 2026, with the next inspection due on January 27, 2028. However, following the engine stall, the bus's air-pressure-operated doors became inoperable, hindering passenger evacuation. Hai and a crew member managed to break open the main door and guide some passengers to safety. Nevertheless, the fire and smoke spread swiftly throughout the vehicle, trapping many. The accident claimed seven lives and left six injured, with the bus and passengers' belongings completely destroyed. Hai surrendered to the Hung Thinh commune police following the incident. Vietnam has seen a rise in traffic accidents, often attributed to increased traffic volume and long-distance transportation driven by economic growth. Driver fatigue and a lack of safety awareness are frequently cited as primary causes. While the government has pledged to enhance traffic safety measures, ensuring their effective implementation remains a challenge. Source: VnExpress