Malaysian tourists killed in northern Thailand bus crash - Foreign Affairs Ministry

At least 13 people including ethnic Chinese Malaysian tourists were killed Sunday when a bus plunged off a road in Thailand, a country with some of the world's most dangerous highways.

Malaysia's Foreign Affairs Ministry in confirming the accident, said it took place around 11.30am Bangkok time in Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai.

"The Embassy of Malaysia in Bangkok is working closely with Thai authorities in rendering the necessary consular assistance to those injured in the accident as well as contacting the next of kin of the Malaysian victims.

"The Foreign Ministry wishes to take this opportunity to extend its deepest condolences to the family and friends of those killed in this road accident," said the ministry in a statement today.

The ministry said those seeking more information related to this incident can reach the Malaysian Embassy at the following contact numbers: +66-87-028-4659 Telephone: +66-2-629 6800 +66-2-629 6831

Meanwhile, Malaysian Ambassador to Thailand Datuk Nazirah Hussin when contacted by Astro AWANI today, said the bus was carrying 22 Malaysian tourists onboard.

She said that the police have confirmed that 13 Malaysians died in the incident, while four were seriously injured. She said five others sustained minor injuries.

She added and they are awaiting for updates on the accident.

AFP reported that anofficer at Doi Saket police station told AFP, asking not to be named, in an earlier report.

He added that the victims were both "Chinese Malaysian and Thai" but could not give a breakdown as investigations were continuing.

Police had earlier said they believed the victims were Chinese nationals.

China's state-run Xinhua news agency said no Chinese nationals are believed to have died in the smash, quoting the Chinese consulate-general in Chiang Mai.

n one picture seven pieces of white sheeting had been draped to cover either bodies or body parts. - APTN screengrab photo

Multiple images posted online by local news outlets showed a horrific scene as rescuers battled to reach those trapped inside the smashed bus, which had come to rest in thick foliage with its roof caved in.

Some of those still inside had suffered horrific injuries. In one picture seven pieces of white sheeting had been draped to cover either bodies or body parts.

Deadly road accidents are common in Thailand.

In a 2015 study on global road safety the World Health Organization found Thailand had the world's second most dangerous roads with 36.2 fatalities per 100,000 people.

The WHO said the number of official reported road deaths a year in Thailand for 2012, the latest year figures are available for, was 14,059.

But they added that their modelling suggested the true figure is actually closer to 24,000 dead a year.

Tourism is a mainstay of Thailand's otherwise fragile economy, accounting for around 10 percent of GDP, and the December to February period is peak season.