At least seven people have been killed after a passenger bus overturned while descending a mountain slope in Vietnam’s northern Yen Bai province. The bus, which was carrying 19 passengers, was carrying members of a charity organization.

The 29-seater bus suddenly lost control and overturned while descending a mountain road on Saturday (December 27), Vietnam’s state news agency reported.

Hoang Anh Tuan, chairman of the local Phin Ho community, said that initially it is believed that the terrible accident occurred due to the brakes failing.

Police, military units and local rescue teams quickly arrived at the scene after receiving news of the accident.

The Phin Ho chairman added that so far 10 people have been rescued alive from the crashed bus. Several other passengers are trapped under the rubble. According to reports received till 10:30 am, efforts are underway to rescue the trapped passengers by cutting the bus using heavy machinery. Local residents have also joined hands with the administration in the rescue operation.

Authorities in Yen Bai province said that an investigation has already been launched to reveal the real cause of the incident. However, due to the remote mountainous area, the rescue operation is being carried out with great speed.