The 48-seat passenger coach carrying about 38 people, including six children, came off the road near of Ngoc Vin Pass, on Highway 14C in Ro Koi commune.

The bus, which is operated by Minh Thang Bus Company, fell down the side of the hill before crashing 20 metres below, leaving most of the passengers trapped inside.

The driver of the vehicle, Mai Hai Nam, told police at the scene that he simply lost control of the bus.

According to the initial report, five people died and other passengers were taken to Ngoc Hoi district’s General Hospital.

The provincial Traffic Safety Committee said local authorities and rescuers were dispatched to help those trapped.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh asked local the health sector to mobilise medical workers to treat the injured.

The provincial police are investigating the cause of the accident.

The accident happened at around 4am on July 11 at Ngoc Vin Pass of National Highway 14C in Sa Thay district, Kon Tum province.

The bus was said to lose control and fall into a 20m deep ravine. It was carrying a total of 38 passengers, including six children, on board.

At least 5 people, including two children, were killed, and 32 others were injured in the accident.

Ambulances were deployed to support rescue work.

Rescue workers were working hard to search for survivors.

Victims were transferred to ambulances to hospitals.

To pull the survivors out of the wreckage, they had to saw part of the bus

The vehicle was severely damaged

The police cordoned off the scene for investigations

The exact cause of the accident is still unknown

VOV/VNA