A bus driver in Vietnam has been arrested following a horrific accident that left seven people dead. The incident occurred in Dong Nai when Trần Thanh Hải, a 41-year-old driver from Khánh Hòa, fell asleep while driving a sleeper bus, causing the vehicle to crash and subsequently catch fire.

On the night of July 21, Hải was operating the sleeper bus belonging to Năm Lu Transport Company, carrying 37 passengers from Khánh Hòa to Ho Chi Minh City along National Route 1A. Around 2 AM, while approaching Hưng Thịnh commune, Hải dozed off, leading to the bus colliding with two sections of guardrails on the right side of the road. The impact caused the guardrail to penetrate the bus, which resulted in the engine shutting down and a fire erupting from the front of the vehicle.

Due to the bus's design, which featured only one door operated by an air system, passengers were trapped inside when the engine failed. Hải and his assistant, Lê Quốc Đạt, managed to break the main door and helped some passengers escape. However, the flames and smoke spread rapidly, preventing many others from escaping.

The tragic accident resulted in seven fatalities and left six others injured, with the bus and many personal belongings of the passengers completely destroyed by the fire. Following the incident, Hải surrendered to the Hưng Thịnh commune police.

Initial investigations revealed that the bus was manufactured in Vietnam in 2026 and had a capacity of 24 sleeper seats. It was registered for operation in January 2026, with a validity period until January 2033. The vehicle's first inspection was conducted on January 28, 2026, with a validity until January 27, 2028.

The police have charged Hải with violating traffic regulations under Article 260 of the Penal Code. This tragic event has raised concerns about road safety and the importance of driver alertness.