This archive report was first published on 20 August 2019.
On August 19, 2019, a devastating bus accident occurred in Laos, claiming the lives of 13 Chinese tourists.
According to police officer Xaiyaphon Chitavong, the accident was caused by brake failure, leaving two people still missing.
Rescue efforts were underway, with photos of rescuers wading through floodwaters shared by Chinese state media.
Laos, like its neighboring countries, struggles with traffic safety, with frequent accidents and lax enforcement of regulations.
The monsoon season, which runs from June to October, exacerbates the issue with heavy rains making rural roads treacherous.
Laos has seen a surge in tourism in recent years, with Chinese visitors increasing by 13 percent in the first half of 2019 compared to the previous year, according to the Vientiane Times.
