The scene of the bus crash in Central Highlands Gia Lai Province, on the morning of Aug. 31, 2026. Photo courtesy of police

The Viet Tan Phat bus was traveling on the eastern bypass of National Highway 19 when it overturned in Hoi Phu Ward, Gia Lai Province, on the morning of Aug. 31.

Three people died in the crash, while several other passengers sustained injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment.

Authorities remove the overturned bus from the crash site in Central Highlands Gia Lai Province, on Aug. 31, 2026. Photo courtesy of police

A representative of Hung Vuong Gia Lai Hospital said the facility received around 20 people following the accident.

Rainy and foggy conditions were reported in the area at the time of the crash.

Authorities later removed the overturned bus from the scene and are investigating the cause of the accident.

National Highway 19 stretches roughly 240 kilometers from Quy Nhon Port to the Le Thanh border crossing, running through Pleiku. It is a major east-west corridor connecting Vietnam’s Central Highlands with the central coast.

The 33-year-old driver, who lives in An Khe Ward, tested negative for alcohol and drugs. He held a valid Class D driver’s license, while the bus’s inspection certificate was valid until December 2027.