Driver arrested after high-speed Vietnam bus crash kills 10

Le Ngoc Thanh, 36, was arrested on July 26 in Ha Tinh Province for allegedly violating road traffic laws. Authorities say Thanh was speeding when he lost control of the sleeper bus, slamming into roadside markers and power poles before overturning.

The bus was found to be moving at 99 km per hour, exceeding the road's speed limit of 80 kph.

The crash happened around 2:10 a.m. on July 25 along a steep part of the National Highway 1 section in Ky Anh Town. The Da Nang-registered bus, operated by Tan Kim Chi Transport Co., was traveling from Hanoi to Da Nang with over 30 passengers on board.

Nine people died at the scene. One more died later from critical injuries, bringing the death toll to 10.

Fifteen others were hurt, including a Lao passenger who suffered a fractured neck and faces a high risk of paralysis.

At the time of the crash, the road was wide and clear. There was light rain, but no sharp turns or poor visibility. Investigators say the cause was likely driver error and excessive speed.

The vehicle, built in 2023, passed inspection and was valid through June 2026, but it was not legally authorized for commercial use. Da Nang’s Department of Transport revoked the bus’s fixed-route license on July 16 and marked its operating permit as expired. Despite this, the company continued using the bus for passenger transport.

By July 26, 14 passengers had stabilized. Nine returned to hospitals in their hometowns for follow-up care, while five were discharged.