Laos’ Route 13 is one of the country’s major highways, as it connects two major tourist destinations, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. Over the years, sporadic violence has occurred along this particular stretch of highway, which has caused tourists some concern. Here are some of the terrible incidents that have occurred along that route over the years:
French Businessman Murdered — 1996
In 1996, a French businessman and two of his Laotian employees were killed in an ambush on Route 13. Claude Vincent, 56, was the director of a French tour agency and he owned a restaurant in Laos’ capital, Vientiane. Twenty unidentified gunmen were involved in the attack. Two years prior, there was a separate attack that left two Frenchmen wounded.
Two Buses Attacked on Route 13 — 2003
More than 20 heavily armed men attacked a bus on Route 13 in February 2003. Ten tourists died, including two Swiss cyclists, who just happened to be nearby when the attack occurred. In April of 2003, there was another attack on a bus, which killed 13 people and left more wounded. In response to the attacks, Laos’ Deputy Foreign Minister said that bandits were responsible and “robbery, burglary, smuggling and drug trafficking” were their motivations.
Bus Drove Off the Road Killing Passengers — 2012
In November 2012, an overnight bus travelling from Vientiane to Luang Prabang drove off the road when the driver fell asleep at the wheel. The bus went down a 75-meter hill as a result. Of the 32 people on board, seven died while the rest were injured.
Three Separate Shootings on Route 13 — 2016
There were three roadside attacks on Route 13 in 2016. In January, there was an attack on a public bus just North of Kasi. One person was injured. There was another attack in March. Unknown assailants shot and killed one Chinese national and left three others wounded in Phoukhoun. That same day, bandits mounted two separate attacks on a public bus and a truck travelling North of Phoukhoun. Five people were injured as a result.
Be First to Comment