Hanoi: A landslide triggered by days of heavy rain struck a passenger bus on a mountain pass in central Vietnam, killing six people and injuring many others early Monday. The accident happened on the Khanh Le Pass, a steep and winding road that connects the tourist city of Da Lat with the coastal city of Nha Trang.

The bus, carrying 32 passengers, was travelling downhill when a mass of mud and rocks suddenly crashed onto the road and buried the front of the vehicle. Rescue teams struggled for hours to reach the site as landslides on both sides of the pass blocked access. They reached the bus only after midnight.

Officials said six people were confirmed dead at the scene. Nineteen others were injured and were taken to nearby hospitals. Two passengers were initially believed to be trapped beneath the debris, but rescue workers later confirmed that all those on board had been accounted for.

The region has been soaked by unusually strong rainfall linked to the seasonal storms affecting central Vietnam. Weather officials reported that some areas received up to 60 centimeters of rain, with even heavier downpours expected in isolated spots. Authorities warned that more landslides and flash floods could occur as the soil remains saturated.

Vietnam is one of the countries most vulnerable to extreme weather, and the growing intensity of storms in recent years has increased the risk of landslides, especially in mountainous areas. Local officials have urged residents and travelers to avoid dangerous routes until the weather improves.

Rescue teams continued clearing the road on Monday as more rain fell over the region. The government has called for a review of safety conditions along mountain passes that see heavy traffic during the rainy season.