Passenger Bus Catches Fire on Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Luong Expressway, Causing Major Traffic Jam

A dramatic fire erupted on the Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Luong expressway on May 1st, causing significant traffic disruptions during the holiday travel period. The passenger bus, en route from the Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City, caught fire near kilometer 46+600 in Dong Thap province. The driver's quick action to pull over to the emergency lane upon noticing smoke was not enough to prevent the blaze from consuming the vehicle. Fortunately, all passengers evacuated safely before the fire intensified, and emergency services, including three fire trucks and numerous personnel from the Dong Thap provincial fire department, responded promptly. While the fire was largely contained within 30 minutes, the incident led to extensive traffic congestion, requiring police to divert vehicles to National Highway 1. The expressway eventually cleared up around 9:30 AM. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by relevant authorities. This incident highlights the risks associated with long-distance travel, especially during peak holiday seasons, and underscores the importance of rapid emergency response.