(updates figures, source, recasts)
MOSCOW, December 25 (RIA Novosti) - Thirteen people have been killed in a traffic accident in the republic of Kabardino-Balkaria in Russia's North Caucasus, a law enforcement officer said Monday.
"As a result of the collision and an ensuing methane explosion, 13 people died at the site. Those killed were the driver and passengers of the Gazel minivan that followed the Mozdok-Vladikavkaz route, as well as the driver of the cargo Gazel minivan," the source said.
Three people who were in the cargo minivan were hospitalized.
Earlier reports said the explosion was apparently caused by a gas canister installed in one of the minivans. Investigators working at the scene are trying to establish the cause of the accident.
