Bus 'falls off bridge' in North Korea, killing 32 tourists Many North Korean roads are riddled with potholes, and Chinese medical experts have been sent to the scene on an "urgent mission".

Image: Footage on state television showed the bus with its wheels in the air

At least 32 Chinese tourists have died after a bus crash in North Korea, officials in Beijing have said.

China's foreign ministry gave few details about what happened, but a since-deleted tweet by the country's state broadcaster suggested the tour bus fell from a bridge.

Four North Koreans were also killed, and two other Chinese nationals who were seriously injured are said to be in an "extremely critical" condition.

One Chinese news channel showed footage of a blue bus with its wheels in the air.

The accident happened on Sunday in North Hwanghae, a province bordering South Korea which is home to the ancient Korean capital of Kaesong.


Image: The crash reportedly happened as the bus travelled from Kaesong to Pyongyang

China's foreign ministry sent medical experts, equipment and drugs to the scene on an "urgent mission".

Riddled with potholes and in a poor condition, many North Korean roads are dirt rather than tarmac.

However, the route the bus was reportedly taking - from Kaesong to Pyongyang - is regarded as one of the best in the country.

According to the Korea Maritime Institute, 80% of foreign visitors to North Korea are Chinese tourists - generating $44m (£31.5m) in revenue for the isolated nation.

Flights operate regularly between the two countries, with the Cold War era allies sharing a long land border.