BANGKOK: An explosion at a shop in northern Laos killed four people including Chinese nationals, Beijings consulate-general in the country reported.
The blast happened yesterday at a Chinese store in Oudomxay province, the Chinese consulate in Luang Prabang said in a statement.
The cause was under investigation, the consulate and local media reported.
Three people were also injured in the fire incident and explosion at the shop in Nasao village, according to Laos National Radio.
It meanwhile caused significant damage to surrounding houses, Chinas state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
The consulate said that Chinas ambassador to Laos, Fang Hong, was deploying all-out efforts to help treat the injured and assist victims families in the aftermath.