A bus carrying students and teachers caught fire on its way to Bangkok shortly after Tuesday noon, killing at least 10 young students, local media reported.

The two-deck bus, carrying 38 students and six teachers from a school in northern Uthai Thani province, was on its way for a sightseeing trip in Bangkok when the accident happened.

Nineteen passengers were evacuated from the coach and sent to hospitals for treatment, according to Thai media.

It was not immediately clear what caused the accident and local media said the fire erupted following an explosion at the back of the bus.