Vietnam: Vietnam, Central Highlands: Bus plunges off a bridge, 34 dead and 21 injured

Hanoi - The provisional death toll from a road accident in central Vietnam is 34 dead and at least 21 injured. A bus crashed off a bridge and crashed into the banks of the river Serepok, where it was found this morning by rescuers. The bus left from Buon Ma Thuot in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak, and was bound for Ho Chi Minh City, in the south.

The authorities have launched investigations to clarify the causes of the accident yesterday evening, and ensure the identification of victims. Y Bliu Arul, vice-director of the General Hospital in Dak Lak, confirmed the two drivers of the vehicle are among the dead.

Of the other 21 injured, at least 16 are in a serious condition according to doctors.

Vietnam has a dismal track record with regard to road accidents, with an average of 33 deaths per day for various crashes and incidents, involving all types of vehicles. According to official statistics, in the first four months of 2012 there were at least 3,100 road deaths, a decrease of approximately 30% over the same period last year.