Sleeper Bus Catches Fire on Cam Lam-Vinh Hao Expressway, Killing One

A sleeper bus carrying 24 people caught fire on Vietnam's Cam Lam-Vinh Hao Expressway, killing a 19-year-old passenger and leaving the vehicle burned down to its frame.

The bus was traveling south on the evening of Sept. 7 when smoke and flames suddenly engulfed it near Km97+600 in Phuoc Hau commune. The driver, identified as N.K.H., 54, pulled to the right shoulder, retrieved some important belongings and called on passengers to get out.

Several passengers tried to put out the fire with small extinguishers, but the flames grew too large. Two fire engines and 12 officers were dispatched, while specialist personnel from Nui Vung Tunnel managed to control and completely extinguish the blaze before the professional firefighting team reached the scene.

Passenger N.G.V., 19, from Gia Lai province, died. Authorities were still assessing property damage and investigating the cause of the fire. The blaze caused traffic to back up for more than one kilometer, with normal movement restored at about 1 a.m. on Sept. 8.

The 78.5-kilometer expressway has operated since April 2024 with four lanes and a maximum speed of 90 kilometers per hour. The report said the route has previously recorded serious accidents and incidents, including bus fires and collisions linked to improper stopping or parking.