At least seven people were killed on Saturday after a passenger bus overturn on a mountainous road in Vietnam northern Yen Bai province, according to state-run media.
The accident occurred when a 29-seat bus carrying 19 passengers lost control while travelling downhill and flipped over, leaving the vehicle badly crushed. Vietnam News Agency reported that the bus was transporting members of a charity group at the time of the crash.
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Local authorities said rescue teams managed to pull 10 survivors from the wreckage, while several others were initially reported trapped inside the damaged vehicle. By mid-morning, emergency workers were still at the scene using heavy machinery to cut through the bus and reach any remaining passengers.
Hoang Anh Tuan, chairman of Phinh Ho commune, told state media that the crash was likely caused by brake failure as the bus descended the steep road. He added that the area’s mountainous terrain and winding roads can be particularly dangerous, especially for heavy vehicles travelling downhill.
Following the accident, police, military personnel, local officials and residents were mobilised to assist in rescue operations. Ambulances and emergency services were dispatched to transport the injured to nearby medical facilities, while authorities worked to secure the area and manage traffic.
Officials in Yen Bai province said an investigation into the cause of the crash was underway. They are expected to examine the vehicle’s mechanical condition, the driver’s actions and road conditions at the time of the accident.
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Vietnam has seen a number of serious road accidents in recent years, particularly in mountainous and rural regions where narrow roads, sharp bends and steep gradients increase the risk of crashes. Authorities have repeatedly urged drivers and transport operators to ensure vehicles are properly maintained and to exercise caution when travelling through high-risk areas.
Saturday’s incident has once again raised concerns about road safety in remote regions and the need for stricter enforcement of vehicle safety standards to prevent similar tragedies.