Chu Van Hung, 34, was driving a truck at 4 a.m. when it collided with a tractor driven by Nguyen Dinh Cuong, 39, approaching from the opposite direction.
Both vehicles were thrown off the road, and both drivers were trapped inside their distorted cabins. The tractor then caught fire and exploded. Neither vehicle was carrying any goods.
Firefighters and rescue forces were dispatched to the scene. When they managed to get both drivers out, they were dead.
Traffic resumed at 6 a.m. An investigation is ongoing.