Leen Che Maisal, 20, and Ismail, 20, who were seated behind the van, died on the spot due to serious injuries following the 11pm accident.
The driver and the front passenger escaped unscathed.
Kinabatangan police chief Supt A. Sahak Ahmad said the bus with 42 people including its driver and conductor were heading towards Kota Kinabalu from Tawau when it skidded off the lane.
“The driver lost control of the vehicle believed due to the slippery road at that time and hit the oncoming van on its right side,” he said when contacted here Monday.
All those on board the express bus were unharmed.
It is learnt that they were transferred to another bus to continue their journey following the mishap.
The case is being investigated under the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless driving.
