Bus falls into river, 36 passengers die

A bus carrying nearly 60 passengers broke the banisters of Serepok Bridge on National Highway 14, which connects Dak Lak and Dak Nong provinces in central Vietnam, to fall into the river at night of May 17. Thirty-six people died.

VietNamNet Bridge – A bus carrying nearly 60 passengers broke the banisters of Serepok Bridge on National Highway 14, which connects Dak Lak and Dak Nong provinces in central Vietnam, to fall into the river at night of May 17. Thirty-six people died.

According to initial report, the bus, owned by a transport cooperative in Da Lak, was on the way to HCM City. At 10.15pm, while crossing the 176m Serepok Bridge, the vehicle suddenly crashed into the banisters and fell into the river, at the height of 18m.

Dak Lak province’s Chairman Dinh Van Khiet said that rescue workers and local people were immediately mobilized to save victims.

The vehicle was so damaged that it was very difficult to rescue victims. By 3am, rescue works finalized. Thirty-six people were dead, including the driver and 25-26 others were injured, Mr. Khiet said.

The official said that the local authorities would grant VND6 million ($300) to families of dead victims and VND3.5 million ($170) to families of injured victims.