A passenger bus carrying 33 people overturned in Gia Lai province on 31/8, resulting in one fatality and 20 injuries. Driver Nguyen Canh Ha Long, 33, has been criminally detained and is under investigation for suspected road traffic violations.

According to the investigation, the incident occurred around 3:10 when Ha Long, from An Khe ward, was driving a sleeper bus for Viet Tan Phat bus company. The bus was traveling on the TP HCM - An Khe route along the National Highway 19 bypass, connecting Ham Rong and Dong Xanh. Upon reaching Hoi Phu ward, the bus experienced an incident and overturned.

Driver Nguyen Canh Ha Long was temporarily detained by police. *Photo: Van Ngoc*

Gia Lai Provincial Police initially determined that Ha Long showed signs of violating road traffic regulations, specifically failing to control his speed when the vehicle entered a slippery curve, which led to the accident. Investigations revealed that Ha Long possessed a class D driver's license, had no alcohol concentration, and tested negative for drugs.

The investigating agency has criminally detained driver Ha Long to further clarify the cause, gather data, and take statements from witnesses to shed light on the incident.

The scene of the accident on the morning of 31/8. *Photo: Ngoc Oanh*

Adding to the complexities, the Gia Lai Provincial Department of Construction previously stated that the road section where the accident occurred had not yet been officially handed over or put into operation. Consequently, traffic police forces had not conducted patrols, controls, or addressed violations on this route.

Tran Hoa