On July 21, the police investigation agency under Dong Nai City Police launched a criminal case for violating road traffic regulations in connection with a crash in which a passenger coach caught fire, killing seven people on National Highway 1 in Hung Thinh Commune, Dong Nai City.
Investigators also charged and remanded driver Tran Thanh Hai, 41, from Khanh Hoa Province, for investigation on the same allegation.
The scene after the coach burst into flames
Initial findings showed signs of the offence of violating road traffic regulations under Article 260 of the Criminal Code. On that basis, the police investigation agency under Dong Nai City Police placed driver Tran Thanh Hai in criminal detention for investigation and handling in accordance with the law.
At about 2.30 am on July 21, the coach with registration plate 50E-447.02 was travelling on National Highway 1 from Dong Nai towards Ho Chi Minh City. When it reached Hung Thinh Commune, Dong Nai City, it struck a roadside barrier and caught fire. The driver stopped the vehicle and shouted for passengers to escape. However, the flames spread rapidly and engulfed the coach. Some people managed to get out, while many victims were trapped inside.
The sleeper coach after the crash and fire
According to the initial report, driver Tran Thanh Hai was drowsy and lost control of the steering, causing the coach to hit the barrier on the right side of National Highway 1. The vehicle then caught fire underneath the front section, near the fuel tank.
According to data from the vehicle registration inspection system, the burnt-out coach was a Kim Long sleeper coach manufactured in 2026.
The vehicle was granted its initial inspection exemption certificate on January 28 at Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre 5012D. Its next inspection is due by January 27, 2028. Under its technical specifications, the coach is licensed to carry a maximum of 25 people, including one seat and 24 berths.
Dong Nai City Police are continuing to investigate and clarify the cause of the incident.
