A bus bearing Laos license plates exploded and caught fire while en route to Vietnam today, killing nine Vietnamese and heavily injuring three others, 15km from this central province.

Officials at the province’s Cha Lo Border Gate reported that the blast and ensuing blaze had taken place at around 4a.m., before they arrived at the scene. The injured have been hospitalised in Laos.

Head of the Nghi Loc District’s Police Major Nguyen Trong Tue told zing.vn that the deceased victims were residents of Nghe An Province’s Dien Chau and Nghi Loc districts.

The bus reportedly departed from Laos’ Khamouane Province, heading to central Nghe An Province in Vietnam. It was driven by a Khanh Don bus operator from Nghe An.

The officials said the blast had come from the rear of the vehicle, where the bus engine was located. Forest timber that had been processed into wooden beams was found on the bus.

The odour of gunpowder was present at the scene, according to the border guard officials, who said an investigation is underway.

VNS