According to initial reports, a group of children aged between 14 and 15 from Song Lo Commune went swimming in the Lo River at around 4 pm.
Authorities said one teenager suddenly began drowning. Several friends attempted to rescue the victim but were also swept underwater by the strong current.
Another child standing on the riverbank witnessed the incident and ran to alert nearby residents.
Local authorities in Song Lo Commune mobilised rescue forces to search for the victims. By approximately 5.30 pm, officials had recovered the bodies of all five teenagers.
Relatives and neighbours grieve the loss of the five schoolchildren on May 18 (Photo: Lap Thach Now).
The accident occurred near an alluvial area overgrown with reeds extending into the river, surrounded by deep channels and fast-flowing water.
Vu Van Thanh, chairman of the Song Lo Commune People’s Committee, said authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and clarify the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
On May 16, four children aged between nine and 14 also drowned when swimming together in the Banh Lai River in Dak Lak Province.