ISLAMABAD, Dec. 11 (Xinhuanet) -- At least 40 people died and 12 others were injured on Sunday when a bus carrying guests to a marriage party suddenly caught fire in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore, according to a GEO TV report.

    The report quoted the local police sources as saying that the fire was caused by a firecracker which exploded under the vehicle's fuel tank, setting the bus and a large amount of fireworks inside on fire.

    The majority among the dead were women and children. More than 70 people were believed to have been on board the bus.

    Those injured were rushed to a local hospital where they have been given emergency treatment.

    However, the death toll is feared to rise further, said the police. Enditem