Bago, Myanmar—A passenger van veered off the road and submerged in an irrigation canal on Wednesday, killing three occupants. The accident occurred during a period of heavy rain that had reduced visibility on the rural road. Local traffic police were notified of the plunge by a passerby.

Rescue teams from the local fire department arrived on the scene within forty minutes. They utilized heavy cables to pull the partially submerged van from the muddy water. The three victims were found trapped inside the cabin despite attempts by local villagers to break the windows.

The van was reportedly carrying a group of workers back to their village when the driver lost control on the slick surface. The road at that location lacked a protective barrier, leaving the canal bank exposed. The driver was among those rescued but was found to have perished along with two passengers.

Traffic police gathered witness statements while divers checked the surrounding water for any other potential victims. No further passengers were reported missing after a headcount at the scene. The vehicle was towed to the district police station for a technical inspection.

The local road authority is under pressure to improve safety features along the irrigation network. Farmers in the area have previously complained about the lack of signage near the steep banks. The police chief noted that the road was particularly treacherous due to the monsoon season.

Investigation teams are focusing on the condition of the tires and the speed of the van at the time of the accident. The surviving witnesses were taken to the local station for further questioning regarding the speed of the vehicle. The bodies have been turned over to their families.

The canal remains a point of concern as water levels continue to rise with ongoing rains. Local authorities have placed temporary markers around the site to warn oncoming motorists. No formal charges have been filed against the surviving driver yet.

The investigation into the mechanical state of the van continues as the department waits for a full forensic report.