A man was killed and five others were seriously injured in a bus accident on 8 March, 2010 on the Sittwe - Rangoon highway.

The dead man was identified as the driver, Soe Naing, while the identities of the five who were injured remain unknown. According to a witness, a total of 31 traders were traveling from Sittwe to Rangoon on the bus.

"The accident occurred in the area of Mye Bone Township in Arakan state," he said.

The bus involved in the accident was identified as Way Thar Li That No. 7647. The accident occurred near Mya Bone area, between markers 46 and 47 in the village of Tone Chaung on March 8 at 5 pm.

The driver's body was taken to Min Bya hospital, where the other five victims were also taken for treatment.

This is the first fatal accident along the Sittwe -Rangoon highway this year. According to reports confirmed by local residents, at least 50 people were killed in accidents on the highway last year.

The poor condition of the road and the lack of systematic repairs by the military regime led to this most recent bus accident.

The Sittwe - Rangoon highway is known to be in poor condition and especially dangerous for traders during the monsoon, despite announcements by the military junta's media mouthpieces that the road is in good condition.