Travel Company Suspended After Deadly Bus Crash in Bolikhamxay

This Week

A travel company has been temporarily suspended following a fatal bus crash in Bolikhamxay Province that killed eight people and injured 35 others earlier this week.

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport announced the suspension of all passenger transport services operated by Analine Travel Co., Ltd. pending a full safety inspection and technical review. Authorities said services will only resume once all required safety and operational standards are met.

An inspection team has been assigned to inspect the company’s operations, review all routes, and assess vehicle conditions and driver compliance. Officials said a full report will be submitted to the ministry before any decision is made on resuming services.

The decision follows a bus overturning incident on 22 April in Pakkading district, where an overnight passenger bus travelling from Pakse to Vientiane lost control on a curve near Nam Duea village. The vehicle was carrying 48 people, including passengers and crew. Emergency teams rescued the injured passengers and took them to nearby hospitals for treatment. 

Authorities stated that preliminary findings suggest the main causes were the bus failing to meet technical standards, the driver’s reckless speeding and lack of proper qualifications, along with slippery road conditions from overnight rain.

However, investigations into the exact cause of the crash remain ongoing.

Nationwide Safety Taskforce Ordered After Deadly Bus Crash

In response to a recent deadly bus crash, the Ministry has also directed provincial authorities to establish a special committee to inspect passenger vehicles and review driver qualifications nationwide. 

The committee will assess vehicle technical conditions and ensure compliance with safety regulations, covering both domestic and international transport operators. Inspections must be completed by 2026.

Alongside vehicle checks, driver assessments will verify health, licensing status, and professional competence to remove unqualified or high-risk drivers. This initiative aims to reduce road accidents and restore public confidence in the safety of passenger transport.

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