Asia

Reports: 26 killed as Taiwan tour bus bursts into flames

Associated Press
Published | Updated

In this photo provided by Yan Cheng, a policeman and another man try to break the windows of a burning tour bus on the side of a highway in Taoyuan, Taiwan, Tuesday, July 19, 2016. The tour bus carrying visitors from China burst into flames on a busy highway near Taiwan's capital on Tuesday, burning to death over 20 people on board, officials said .(Yan Cheng/Scoop Commune via AP) (The Associated Press)

In this photo provided by Yan Cheng, a policeman and another man try to break the windows of a burning tour bus on the side of a highway in Taoyuan, Taiwan, Tuesday, July 19, 2016. The tour bus carrying visitors from China burst into flames on a busy highway near Taiwan's capital on Tuesday, burning to death over 20 people on board, officials said .(Yan Cheng/Scoop Commune via AP) (The Associated Press)

Map locates bus crash in Taiwain; 2c x 2 inches; 96.3 mm x 50 mm; (The Associated Press)

Taiwanese media reports say 26 people were killed after a tour bus burst into flames on a busy highway.

The official Central News Agency says the accident took place shortly after noon on Tuesday on the No. 2 national highway in Taoyuan county, south of the capital, Taipei.

Media reports said those aboard were tourists from China, but officials have not confirmed that.

CNA and others reported that the bus apparently smashed into a roadside barrier and caught fire. Photos from the scene showed flames and thick black smoke pouring from the cab of the bus.

Taoyuan fire department official Zeng Hao said by phone that the total number of dead and injured was still being compiled.