A passenger bus carrying 12 people plunged nearly 40 m into a ravine on An Khe Pass after colliding with a truck from behind around 23:00 on 10/5. The accident, which occurred on National Highway 19, resulted in one fatality and 11 injuries.

After the collision, the bus rolled multiple times down the steep slope, stopping near a stream. A line of trees below prevented the vehicle from descending further, but many were broken by the impact. The bus's body was crumpled, its door system deformed, and fragments were scattered amidst reeds and bushes at the scene.

Bunks and the vehicle frame were heavily damaged from falling into the deep ravine. Among the victims, passenger Pham Thi Nu, 38, from Dak Lak, died. The remaining 11 injured people were transported to Gia Lai Central General Hospital.

At the scene, the vehicle lay amidst reeds and bushes. Its body was crumpled, the door system deformed, and fragments were scattered everywhere.

Fruit and passenger luggage were strewn inside the bus.

Before plunging into the ravine, the passenger bus broke several guardrail posts, crossed a ditch, and traveled approximately 50 m on a dirt path.

Nearby, the truck involved in the collision also sustained heavy front-end damage.

Police have sealed off the accident scene to investigate the cause.

An Khe Pass (red) - the accident location. *Graphics: Dang Hieu*

An Khe Pass is part of National Highway 19, a 243 km route from Quy Nhon port to Le Thanh border gate. This vital artery connects the Central Highlands to the Central Coastal region, handling high traffic volumes despite its narrow and degraded road surface. In 2024, over 17 km of the pass underwent renovation and widening.

Tran Hoa