A bus ferrying passengers to/from Laos and the north-central province of Nghe An reportedly exploded after breaking down in Laos, according to local provincial authorities informed on the matter.

Lao emergency services were called to the incident at approximately 6pm yesterday afternoon.

A Laos police official said a preliminary investigation revealed that passengers were in the process of being evacuated from the bus after it had malfunctioned and arrived at a repair shop.

Dead is the driver of the bus, 27-year-old Ngo Sy Giang. His wife and 3-year old son along with two assistants all from Nghe An Province received serious injuries and remain hospitalized.

There is no word on their current condition.

An investigation into the accident is continuing.

VOV