Thirteen Chinese tourists were killed when a bus crashed in Laos, yesterday (August 19) afternoon.

The group of 44 holidaymakers were travelling in the vehicle when it careened off a road between the capital Vientiane and the northern town of Luang Prabang.

The Chinese Embassy in Vientiane said that 31 other Chinese passengers were injured in the smash. The bus driver and a tour guide - both of whom are from Laos - suffered minor injuries.

Police Investigating the crash believe brake failure caused the incident. Officials from the Chinese Embassy travelled to the scene yesterday.

Some of the injured holidaymakers were being treated in hospital while others returned to their hotels.

At least six Chinese tourists were killed when a bus crashed in Laos, yesterday (19/08) afternoon.

The group of 44 holidaymakers were travelling from the capital Vientiane to Luang Prabang province when the vehicle lost control in wet conditions and spun off a road near the Nam Ngum bridge

Thirteen passengers were killed in the accident. Six were identified as Chinese women and two Laos nationals.

Five victims were trapped in the wreckage and their nationalities are currently unknown but they are believed to also be Chinese.

The Chinese Embassy in Vientiane said that 31 other Chinese passengers were injured in the smash. The bus driver and a tour guide - both of whom are from Laos - suffered minor injuries.

Police Investigating the crash believe brake failure caused the incident. Officials from the Chinese Embassy travelled to the scene yesterday and advised drivers to take care in hazardous roads.

Volunteers from the Chinese Army medical team also flew to Luang Prabang to help with treating the patients. Some of the injured holidaymakers were being treated in hospital while others returned to their hotels.