The scene of the accident. Photo by the Ministry of Public Security
The accident occurred at around 2.10 am on July 25 as the bus, driven by 36-year-old Le Ngoc Thanh, was traveling on National Highway 1 from Hanoi to Danang. While passing through Song Tri ward, the bus lost control, struck roadside markers and overturned.
Among the nine fatalities, five victims have been identified: Vu Thi Thoan, 47, from Thanh Hoa; Vu Thi Thuy, 43, from Hanoi; Nguyen Duc Tuan, 48, from Bac Giang; Bui Thi Hue, 31, and Do Phuong Thao, 4, both from Ninh Binh. Four others remain unidentified.
Fifteen injured passengers were taken to Ky Anh General Hospital, with one in serious condition transferred to a higher-level facility.
The scene showed the bus severely damaged, with some wheels nearly detached and debris scattered across the road.
According to the Traffic Police Department, initial findings and the driver's statement indicate the front tire blew out, causing the vehicle to overturn.
Alcohol and drug tests on the driver came back negative.
Ha Tinh police are conducting rescue operations, managing traffic flow, and investigating the cause of the crash.