Driver reported brake failure, a minute later vehicle plunged into ravine

A passenger bus carrying a group of divers home suddenly experienced brake failure near Bau Trang intersection, plummeting into a ravine in less than a minute, resulting in four fatalities and numerous injuries.

Morning of 7/4, injured divers from the bus crash in Hoa Thang commune are receiving treatment at Binh Thuan General Hospital, 60 km from the scene. Do Tuan Kiet (22), one of the victims transferred for emergency care, remains in shock.

Kiet stated that 15 people on the bus lived in Duong coastal area (formerly Chi Cong commune, now Phan Ri Cua commune). They worked as clam divers for a local boat owner. The owner privately hired the oto to transport the divers daily between their homes and La Gi.

Diver Do Tuan Kiet, injured, is being treated at Binh Thuan General Hospital. *Khai Nguyen*

Each day, the bus picked up the workers from Duong at dawn, traveling 150 km to La Gi port. There, they boarded boats to dive for clams. In the early afternoon, the boats returned to shore, and the clams were loaded onto the bus with the divers for the return journey.

Around 15h yesterday afternoon, the 29-seat passenger bus, driven by Tran Thanh Son (38), picked up the group as usual. After some conversation, most on board fell asleep, exhausted from their diving trip.

While traveling from Mui Ne towards Phan Ri, upon reaching the Bau Trang intersection in Hoa Thang commune, the bus showed unusual signs, continuing straight instead of turning towards Phan Ri. "I found it strange and asked, then the driver suddenly yelled that the brakes had failed", Kiet recounted.

The shouts startled many awake. However, in less than a minute, the vehicle sped into the ravine. The impact shattered the bus, throwing many out, while others remained trapped inside. Sacks of clams on board crushed victims, worsening their injuries. Kiet was thrown out through a window, sustaining minor injuries.

The passenger oto was crushed, with seats strewn outside after the accident. *Nguyen Quoc*

Diver Nguyen Van Vu (30), who suffered a broken leg, also stated that the incident happened too quickly for anyone to react. Upon hearing the driver announce brake failure, everyone panicked but had no time to respond. "The driver tried hard to corner, but then plunged straight into the ravine. I only remember the bus crashing hard, and then I lost consciousness."

Nguyen Tai (34), who lives near the scene, said he was in his hammock when he saw the vehicle speed, slide, hit a light pole, guardrail, and a row of xoan trees before falling into the ravine at the edge of Bau Trang lake. He and many neighbors rushed to the scene to assist. "The vehicle slid, creating a long trail, stirring up thick dust, and making a very loud noise", he recalled.

Nguyen Xuan Phuong (58), living about 30 m from the scene, joined residents in breaking open the bus doors to pull victims out. Some trapped individuals required the vehicle to be lifted for rescue. "Some had fallen into a ditch, others were stuck inside the bus calling for help. We had to pry open the vehicle to get a 13-year-old boy out", Phuong said.

The accident caused four fatalities, including: two siblings Nguyen Van Dat (13) and Nguyen Van Cuong (23); Do Van Hai (22); and Nguyen Tan Khoa (26). Eleven injured individuals received first aid at Hoa Thang medical station before being transferred to Binh Thuan General Hospital, about 60 km from the scene.

Police and vehicle registration inspectors examined the bus at 20h on 7/4. *Khai Nguyen*

According to Doctor Le Huynh Phuc, the hospital director, the facility mobilized personnel and resources to receive emergency cases. Two severely injured individuals have passed the critical stage.

Authorities identified driver Tran Thanh Son as holding a D2 class driving license, valid until 2030, with no alcohol or drug presence. Initially, the driver claimed brake failure. The vehicle's inspection certificate was valid, with the most recent inspection on 24/1, effective until 24/4.

On the same evening, authorities continued to examine the scene and inspect the braking system to determine the cause.

Leaders of Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee visited the hospital, providing 5 million VND in support for each family with a deceased member and 2 million VND for each injured person. The commune level provided additional support of 3 million VND and 1 million VND, respectively.