Around 2 h, a Phuong Trang sleeper bus, carrying many passengers, was traveling on the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay expressway. The bus was heading from Ho Chi Minh City towards Dong Nai when it approached the 319 interchange in Nhon Trach ward. It then collided forcefully with the rear of a tractor-trailer moving in the same direction.

The front of the passenger bus was severely deformed after the accident. *Photo: Thai Ha*

The impact severely deformed the front of the bus, trapping the driver in the cabin. Many passengers panicked and screamed. Passersby, authorities, and the expressway management unit quickly collaborated to break open the doors and extract the victims.

The accident resulted in the bus driver's immediate death at the scene. The assistant, who sustained severe injuries, was transported for emergency treatment.

The rear of the tractor-trailer was damaged. *Photo: Thai Ha*

A passenger stated that the bus had departed from Ho Chi Minh City for Da Lat, Lam Dong, and most passengers were asleep when the accident occurred. Following the incident, the bus company dispatched another vehicle to transport the passengers to their destination.

The accident caused localized traffic congestion for several kilometers on the expressway in the Ho Chi Minh City to Dau Giay direction. By morning, the scene was largely cleared.

The Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay expressway, 55 km long, connects Ho Chi Minh City with Dong Nai and opened in 2015. This route experiences heavy traffic and frequent incidents. The section passing through Ho Chi Minh City is currently undergoing expansion from 4 to 8 lanes to alleviate congestion.

Phuoc Tuan