6 killed in midnight sleeper bus, tractor-trailer collision in northern Vietnam

The sleeper bus was traveling along National Highway 6 when it crashed into the tractor-trailer coming from the opposite direction at a bend of the road in Yen Chau District at around 11:30 p.m.

The violent impact tore off the left side of the sleeper bus, ejecting five to six passengers onto the road, leaving them unconscious. Many other passengers sustained injuries when debris and parts of the sleeper cabin struck them.

The cabin of a tractor trailer is crushed after crashing into a sleepr bus in Son La Province, Feb. 21, 2025. Photo by Son Ka

The tractor-trailer’s front cabin was completely crushed, trapping both the driver and assistant inside. Survivors and passersby spent several minutes using crowbars to break into the cabin and rescue them.

According to local authorities, five passengers on the sleeper bus and the tractor-trailer driver were killed on the spot. Several other injured victims were rushed to hospitals for treatment.

The collision left both vehicles severely damaged, blocking both lanes of National Highway 6 and scattering debris across the road. Other vehicles were forced to stop or seek alternative routes.

The side of the sleeper bus (red) is torn after crashing into a tractor-trailer (L) in Son La Province, Feb. 21, 2025. Photo by Son Ka

National Highway 6 is a critical transportation route connecting Hanoi to the northwestern region of Vietnam. The section passing through Yen Chau District, Son La Province, spans 48 kilometers and consists mainly of two lanes of 8-10 meters wide, with winding curves around hills and mountains.

At the time of the accident, Son La was experiencing light rain and reduced visibility due to moist air from a cold front.